Secure Mobile Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a communication device with secure data storage having a secure platform with no network connection and a main mobile platform with at least one network connection.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/572,778 filed Oct. 2, 2009, which isa divisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/210,182, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,599,847, filed Aug.2, 2002, which is continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/875,454, filed Jun. 6, 2001, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/210,498, filedJun. 9, 2000, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to information management andsecurity systems. The present invention is particularly useful in thefields of travel management systems, improved methods of communication,and device management and consolidation. Specific embodiments of thepresent invention more particularly relate to security systems andprotection of data on a mobile device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past ten years both business and personal travel have beenincreasing at a dramatic rate. In order to accommodate and facilitatethe increased travel being made by both business and personal travelers,whether by air, train, ship, bus, limousine, personal automobile, orother modes of transportation, much time, effort, and resources havebeen spent on an ongoing basis by the travel industry. The travelindustry includes airlines, charter services, railroads, hotels, rentalcar companies, cruise lines, limousine companies, credit card and debitcard companies, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, governmententities, airports, ports, train stations, helicopter operators, and soforth. It is important to the travel industry as a whole, andparticularly to the airline industry, to provide user friendly, secured,and rapid response reservation and travel planning systems. Such effortshave led the industry to make extensive use of the Internet, forpermitting travelers to make numerous travel arrangements and plansthrough use of their personal computer linked to the Internet to accessa desired travel related website. However, it is recognized that thetravel industry has much room for improvement in providing travelerseasier, less expensive, more user friendly and faster methods andsystems for both planning travel needs and making appropriatereservations for such travel. Travelers want to feel secure but do notwant to sacrifice precious time more than absolutely required. Travelersalso want a balance between preserving individual privacy and receivingmeasures of security.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method andsystem for enabling travelers to rapidly and interactively communicatevia the Internet or other networks with desired websites or otherdevices for making all necessary travel arrangements for a desired trip.

It is another object of the invention to provide travelers with a meansfor making last minute ticketing and travel reservations with travelcarriers, simultaneous with planning their itineraries.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide travelers and otherinterested parties with a means for receiving alerts, messages andtravel advisories at any given time, no matter where the traveler oruser of the inventive system might be located.

It is another object of the invention to provide travelers withexpedited clearance to facilitate processing through transportationfacilities, such as airport security checkpoints.

It is still another object of the invention to provide travelers with aninteractive device permitting access to enhanced travel features, thetravelers' preferences and identification verification information inconjunction with other convenient uses such as credit card and/or debitcard functionality and communication functionality.

It is another object of this invention to honor the personal preferencesof the traveler by enabling any entry of personal data to be a voluntarydecision and to assure the traveler that private data will remainencrypted and secured from all other persons, even persons associatedwith the system.

With these and many other objects in mind, the present inventionprovides a method and system that permits travelers to register asmembers for receiving access to the main website of the system and thatinteractively provides the member with access to numerous other websitesfor facilitating whatever travel arrangements the member wishes to make.The member is provided with means to log onto the system website throughuse of the member's personal computer, mobile telephone, hand-held palmcomputer, web tv, Internet cell phone, iCell (for example the OneTouchdisclosed below), cell phone, or other specially designed, integrateddevice for communicating through the system to secure travelreservations with air, land, and sea carriers, and to securereservations for lodging, restaurants, entertainment, and other desiredservices. The system includes voice recognition means for permitting auser to communicate via voice commands, even while the user or membermay already be pursuing travel on a last minute basis, while using thesystem to complete all further and necessary travel arrangements. Thesystem further provides means for permitting a member to select specifictravel carriers or service providers, and also provides means foranalyzing the general travel requirement of the user, such as a desiredairport, departure date and time, arrival city, length of stay, and soforth. The system will provide a user with reservations for a carrier ortravel provider best able to meet the member's travel needs, such ashotel reservations, limousine services, and so forth. These services areall based upon a member's previously provided travel preferences andpersonal needs, all of which are stored in the system in the member'sprofile or portfolio. The system allows the member to use interactivevoice response (IVR) systems to call in and book a reservation by voiceor keypad. Dialing in or connecting from a compatible, identifiable,communication device allows the system to identify the member instantly,expediting the arrangements for travel including making the ticketbuying process faster. Member preferences and payment settings arealready pre-stored to expedite processing.

The system includes an Intranet or like system for better communicationwithin the airport. The system also provides an Internet forcommunication between airports within and participating in the system.Both the system's Intranet and the Internet provide standard templatesused for intranet and internet sites for use by airport employees andother travel provider employees to notify the system about situationsthat affect travelers. Anything that would delay or change a traveler'splans is recorded by an authorized user that has been granted securityaccess to do so. These events trigger actions specified by the travelerto notify them and interested parties (including but not limited tothose expecting to meet the traveler). The system intranet may accessmore detailed gate information as posted by the various airlines and asmaintained typically on flight boards that are visible throughout theairport. By accessing the Flight Board information or other travelprovider information by using their OneTouch either within or outside ofthe travel facility, members will have a chance to see, for example, theflight status, the departure gate, the status of boarding, if a gate ischanged, or if the flight is cancelled. The same principle applies tonon-airport related modes of travel, such as trains, buses, ships, andso forth.

Besides fulfilling personal preferences, the system directly recognizesmembers with special needs such as those requiring wheelchairs fortravel or those who have special dietary needs or medical conditions.Any data that will help fulfill a member's travel requirements areavailable for storage in the member's portfolio.

Data available for storage are voluntarily provided by the member andnot accessible to any unauthorized person without the express knowledgeand approval of the member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below, withreference to the drawings, in which like items are identified by thesame reference designation wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a simplified block schematic diagram of a computer systemconnected to the Internet for providing the home website for the presentinvention that provides a Portal for members to obtain desired travelservices;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block schematic diagram showing how members cancommunicate through the Internet with the system website of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a pull down menu for an embodiment of the invention forselectively obtaining flight information, or traveler information, orpark/drive information, or weather information, or shopping information,and also for addressing a Portal for selecting a particular airport orother travel facility;

FIG. 4 shows a pictorial diagram of a pull-down menu of the inventionobtainable from the pull-down menu of FIG. 3 for permitting rapidselection of a particular airport website from a plurality ofaddressable airport websites;

FIG. 5 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for choosing a departureand an arrival airport by name, and specific information regarding theselected airport;

FIG. 6 shows a pull-down menu of the invention relative to selection ofa particular airport;

FIG. 7 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for a particular airportfor accessing desired information;

FIG. 8 shows a pull-down menu of the invention obtained throughselection of the sub-menu of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining connectingpassenger information;

FIG. 10 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining departingpassenger information (such as departure gate and real time status, suchas “Boarding,” “Delayed,” or “Gate Change”) and other information;

FIG. 11 shows a pull-down menu for obtaining arriving passengersinformation, for an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining “GeneralInformation/Passenger Information;”

FIG. 13 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining “Justntimeticketing;”

FIG. 14 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining certain“Passenger Information;”

FIG. 15 shows another pull-down menu of the invention for obtaininginformation regarding the concourse of an airport, and the type ofairport;

FIG. 16 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining arrivaland departure flight information for a particular airport;

FIG. 17 shows a pull-down menu of the invention for obtaining additionalflight information specific to the time and date of flights at aparticular airport;

FIGS. 18 through 20 show flowcharts detailing the various steps for amethod of the invention for permitting a member or user to make travelreservations and arrangements or plans.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart detailing the various steps for a method ofthe present invention for permitting a member or user to makearrangements for a hotel, restaurant reservations, and/or groundtransportation.

FIG. 22 shows a diagram of a boarding pass for an AA member;

FIG. 23 shows a flowchart detailing a method for inputting and obtaininginformation from the system;

FIG. 24 shows a site map detailing a method for inputting and obtaininginformation from the system.

FIG. 25 shows a diagram of gradation levels for AA members indicatingvarious levels of security levels that the AA member agrees to provide;

FIG. 26 shows a diagram of the various components of an OneTouch and aview of the front and back of the OneTouch;

FIG. 27 shows additional screens of the OneTouch as well as how theOneTouch can morph into multiple views;

FIG. 28 shows a device that may be attached to clothing or anywhere elsethat beeps/rings if the OneTouch has been lost or misplaced;

FIG. 29 shows another view of the OneTouch, approximately the size ofseven credit cards combined with a view of images of the member as wellas the member's fingerprint.

FIG. 30 shows a flowchart detailing a method for checking and trackingbaggage; and

FIG. 31 shows a flow chart of a method to plan a trip for an AA memberbased on combining information of a geographical positioning system aswell as personal preferences and other criteria;

FIG. 32 shows a flow chart of the creation and utilization of a personalvalet, an audio/visual assistant to the member that can assist withtravel and entertainment suggestions;

FIGS. 33 and 34 show logical schematics detailing a method for managingcharter flight reservations.

FIG. 35 shows a variation on the OneTouch represented as a smart watch.

FIG. 36 shows a representation of the perimeter security systemincluding a donut of security where all vehicles must pass to gainaccess to the airport.

FIG. 37 is a schematic illustrating the components of a device with amain platform and a secure platform in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention with an inboard power cord.

FIG. 38 a schematic illustrating the components of a device with a mainplatform and a secure platform in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention with an inboard power cord that is extended outside of thedevice's housing.

FIG. 39 is a rear-view schematic illustrating the device and externalcomponents in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 40 is a schematic illustrating the components of a device withwaterproof housing, an external charging cord, a main platform, and asecure platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 41 is a front-view schematic illustrating the device and externalcomponents in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42 illustrates the operation of the retractable power cord inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43 further illustrates the operation of the retractable power cordin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 44 is a schematic illustrating the micro SD slot lock in a lockedstate in a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 45 is a schematic illustrating the micro SD slot lock in anunlocked state in a device in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 46 is a schematic illustrating the components of a device withsolar films, a main platform, and a secure platform in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 47 illustrates a transceiver device in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 48 illustrates the internal components of the transceiver deviceshown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 illustrates the coverage of a faraday cage in a device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 50 illustrates the operation of an inboard projector displaying avirtual keyboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 51 illustrates the components of and accessible to the mainplatform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 52 illustrates the components of and accessible to the secureplatform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a computer 2 connected to a monitor 4, programmemory 6, and input device 10, are necessary for providing the websiteof the present system. The computer 2 is connected to the Internet 12for permitting members or system users access to the main website of thesystem. For purposes of illustration, the present invention is describedbelow mainly in association with air travel, and trip planning andreservations associated with such travel, including preflight and postflight travel. However, the invention is not meant to be so limited, andis equally applicable in association with multiple other forms of travelbeside air travel, including railroad travel, ship travel, helicoptertravel, and so forth. With further reference to FIG. 1, note that theprogram memory 6 is loaded with programs via the program input device 10for providing the operating system of the present invention, andnecessary programming for carrying out the methodology of the invention.Programs for voice recognition 5, and voice synthesis 7 are used in oneembodiment.

Access to the website of the system is via the Internet 12, aspreviously indicated. As shown in FIG. 2, members or users of thepresent inventive system can gain access to the system website 14 via anumber of available devices. As shown in FIG. 2, these devices includebut are not limited to a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) 16, a cellphone 17, a WebTV 18, a personal computer 20, an iCell, phone 22, aOneTouch 19, a kiosk 21, a mobile telephone 24, or a palm computer 26.As will be described in greater detail below, users of the system mustjoin or become members. Each member has a profile stored within thesystem in association with the member's identification verificationinformation, which may include a PIN number, biometrics and so forth. Atthe present time the inventor has named the present system“AirportAmerica” (A Trademark of AirportAmerica.com). In portions of thefollowing description, AirportAmerica is referred to under the acronym“AA” (A Trademark owned by AirportAmerica.com). Throughout thisdocument, the features of the invented system may be referred to aseither AirportAmerica or AA or AirportAmerica.com or aa.

In order for a user to have access to the present system, the user mustfirst enroll on the system. In doing so, the user must provide a profileincluding name, address, telephone number, credit card information,desired class of air travel (e.g., coach, business, first), airlinecarrier preference, seating preference, self park or valet parking,rental car preferences, and so forth. The users profile is stored in thesystem, and the user is provided a PIN number, to permit the new memberuser to gain access to the system.

Once access is obtained, the user is presented a home page, where theuser or member can then select a number of pull-down menus for makingreservations and other travel arrangements. As previously indicated, themember can make various selections through direct inputs from a personalcomputer 20, OneTouch 19, or WebTV 18, whereby typed data or cursorselected responses are provided to the system 14. Otherwise, voicecommands can be used via a iCell phone, OneTouch 22, or the mobiletelephone 24, or cell phone 17, for example.

A pull-down menu 26 can be obtained, as shown in FIG. 3. Through use ofthis menu, a user or member can select flight information, travelerinformation, parking and related driving information, weatherinformation, and shopping information, relative to a particular flight.With regard to the flight itself, first the member must select aparticular airport for departure, and another airport for arrival. Inone embodiment of the invention, the member moves a cursor into theworld map region 40, and selects the central Portal 42 of FIG. 4, toobtain the pull-down menu 44 of FIG. 4. By placing the cursor on any oneof the identified airports shown in FIG. 4 by both airport name, andcode, the member then obtains access to that particular airport in avery particular manner. Once the airport is selected, the member canreturn to the pull-down menu of FIG. 3 for selecting specificinformation relative to that airport, as provided on the left hand sideof the pull-down menu 26. Such specific information may include suchinformation as gradation level as discussed below.

The member can also select a pull-down menu 46, as shown in FIG. 5, forselecting a departure airport by name, and an arrival airport by name.Once the airports are selected, the member can click onto any one of theword icons shown, such as 47 through 51, for example, or on any one ofthe icons shown at the left of menu 46. In another embodiment, the usermay interact with the system via voice or interactive video.

The member can also select the pull-down menu 54 of FIG. 6, forobtaining specific information relative to a particular airport, and foranswering certain questions as indicated, for permitting direct accessto other pull-down menus to permit the member to pursue various optionsassociated therewith. In the pull-down menu 54, an airport name has beeninserted into “Getting To:”, and the city associated with the airport,in this example, Atlanta, Ga. Any of the word icons, as shown can beaddressed for providing or obtaining certain information, as indicated.For example, anyone of the word icons 55 through 59, can be individuallyaddressed for obtaining the indicated function, or information. Themember can also address the icon Quick Search 60, shown in the upperleft in the pull-down menu 54. If the member does address Quick Search60, the pull-down menu 54 will be modified as shown in FIG. 7, topresent word icons for selection by the member via the “Quick Search 60”function.

With further reference to the modified pull-down menu 54 of FIG. 7,assume for example that the member selects the icon “Aircargo/AirFreight”. If so, the pull-down menu 62 of FIG. 8 will be obtained. Themember can then address any one of the icons indicated at the left, forobtaining detailed information associated therewith, such as“Warehousing.”

A member can also select the pull-down menu 64, as shown in FIG. 9, forobtaining information about “Connecting Passengers” by individuallyaddressing any one of the icons under the headings Flight Information66, Terminal Information 67, Passenger Information 68, or “Otherinterests” 69, the member can obtain indicated information relative toConnecting Passengers. Also, by selecting anyone of the icons under“passenger information in other languages,” the member can select adesired language other than English 70.

The member can select the pull-down menu of 72 of FIG. 10, for obtaininginformation relative to “Departing Passengers.” Note that for theparticular airport, icons are provided for obtaining Parking Information74, Flight Information 75, Terminal Information 76, and other detailed“parking” 77 information.

The pull-down menu 80, for obtaining information relative to “ArrivingPassengers”, as shown in FIG. 11, can be selected. Various of the iconsshown can be addressed for obtaining Flight Information 82, TerminalInformation 83, Ground Transportation Information 84, and PassengerInformation 85. Also, by addressing the icons under Other Interests 86,other facts can be obtained, and also the member is provided anopportunity for letting AirportAmerica know how they are doing inproviding the related service.

The pull-down menu 90, shown in FIG. 12, can be obtained for gainingPassenger Information 92, Ground Transportation 93, and Other Interests94, by addressing the respective icons associated therewith, as shown.

If in the pull-down menu 46 of FIG. 5, or the pull-down menu 54 of FIGS.6 and 7, the member selected “Justntime ticketing 47” relative toflowchart 46, or the same function indicated as 55 in the flowchart 54of FIGS. 6 and 7, the pull-down menu 100 of FIG. 13 will be obtained. Asshown, a Quick Search 60 can be addressed, and the individual iconsunder “AirportAmerica discounts 102” can be addressed for obtainingassociated information as indicated by each icon.

The pull-down menu 104, shown in FIG. 14, can be obtained for obtainingspecific “passenger information” 106, as shown by the individual andselectable icons thereunder. Also, as shown under “Information in otherlanguages” 108, a member can select other than English.

The pull-down menu 110 of FIG. 15 can be obtained for a specificairport, for obtaining information regarding a Concourse 112 of theairport, in a particular “Type” 114 concession associated therewith byinputting the appropriate information, and submitting it, the systemwill provide the location of the particular concession in thatconcourse. As shown, after inputting the information desired, the membermust address the icon 115 for submitting the same.

The pull-down menu 120 for showing “Flight Information” can be obtainedas shown in FIG. 16. The icons “From Arriving” 122, “From Departing”124, or “From Connecting” 126 can be individually addressed forobtaining information associated with the indicated functions.

The pull-down menu 130, as shown in FIG. 17, can be selected forobtaining flight information associated with a particular time and dateto be inputted into the flowchart 130 by the member. Once the time anddate are provided, the member can then select individually the icons“From Arriving” 132, “From Departing” 134 and “From Connecting” 136.

An example of various steps involved in a member using the presentsystem, and the steps required of the System, is illustrated in theflowcharts of FIGS. 18 through 21. With reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 18, the first step 140 is for the member to turn on or “power-up”his/her device for entering the Internet 12 to obtain access to thesystem website 14. Next, the member either uses speed dialing via step142, or direct dialing via step 144 for dialing up AirportAmerica's 800number. In step 146, the system welcomes the member, and prompts themember to then enter the PIN number, biometric information, or otheridentifying data. Thereafter, steps 147 through 152 are performed, andthe transaction is ended by terminating the call (step 152), if in thesequence of prior steps, a PIN number, or membership cannot beconfirmed, as indicated. If in the sequence of steps 147 through 151, auser requests enrollment via step 153, enrollment is completed, and step154 is processed for entering into the steps of the flowchart of FIG.19. Alternatively, if in step 148 a valid membership is confirmed by thedatabase, step 155 is entered for determining whether the membership isactive. If the answer is no, step 156 is entered for prompting the userthat their membership is not presently active, followed by steps 150,and 151 for determining whether the user requests enrollment, aspreviously indicated. As before, if enrollment is not requested, step152 is entered for ending the transaction, or if enrollment isrequested, steps 153 and 154 are pursued. Lastly, if in decision step155, the membership is determined to be active, step 157 is entered forobtaining from memory 9 the information shown in block 158 for theidentified member. Processing then proceeds to step 154 for transferringto the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19.

With further reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19, with membershipconfirmed via step 160 by transfer from step 154, steps 161 through 166are carried out as indicated. As shown in step 166, if the member doesnot request help with parking, step 167 is entered for saving theprocessed information, and terminating the call. However, if the memberdoes request help with parking, step 168 is entered for transferring tothe steps of the flowchart of FIG. 20.

With further reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20, step 170 is enteredfor confirming the flight information. If the flight is confirmed, nextin step 171 it is determined whether there is less than one hour beforedeparture time. If the answer is yes, step 172 is entered for setting upvalet parking. If there is more than one hour before the flightdeparture, step 173 is the next step after step 171, for prompting themember as to whether they require parking. If so, step 174 is entered toprompt the member for valet parking. If valet parking is selected, step172 is next entered for taking the necessary steps to set up the valetparking, and notifying the member of the details. Alternatively, if themember chooses ezparking, step 175 is entered for setting up thereservation of a parking spot, and providing to the member the parkinglot information. Note also in step 172, for setting up valet parking,after doing so, the member is provided with the location and directionsfor going to the valet parking area.

A member can plan to make all arrangements for their return flight in asimilar manner. The member can do so at a later time, or at the time offirst making the arrangements for the initial departing flight, byreturning to the pull-down menu of FIG. 5, and addressing one of icons47 through 51, or some combination thereof, for obtaining theappropriate reservations and required information. The system wouldestablish the return flight using the steps of the flowcharts of FIGS.19 and 20, as previously described.

After the member has completed their flight reservations, the systemoperates to prompt the member for further travel assistance as shown bystep 180 in the flowchart of FIG. 21. A pull-down menu will be presentedhaving icons asking the member whether they require car rentalreservations, parking reservations, hotel reservations, restaurantreservations, ground transportation, and so forth. The system responds,as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, to the members selections. If instep 182 the member confirms that hotel reservations are required, themember is further prompted in step 183 to indicate whether economy, fivestar, or some other class of hotel or lodging is needed. Next in step184, the member is prompted to provide their time of arrival, and lengthof stay. Next, in step 185, the member is prompted to select theirdesired hotel location, as indicated in the flowchart. If hotelreservations are not required, step 186 is entered for terminating thehotel transaction. Similarly, if restaurant reservations are requiredvia prompting step 188, steps of 189 through 191 are carried out asprompting steps to permit the system to then automatically make thenecessary restaurant reservations. If restaurant reservations are notrequired in step 188, the transaction is terminated in step 192. Ifground transportation is required via step 198, prompt step 199 isentered for requesting the member to select one of the indicated modesof transportation. Once the member indicates their choice, the systemresponds by arranging the necessary transportation, and advising themember of the arrangements made. Note that the member is prompted ineach of steps 182, 188, and 198 to advise whether or not hotel,restaurant, and/or ground transportation reservations are required toensure the member does not in making hasty travel plans forget to pursuethe same. Also, the system depending upon the mode of communication withthe member, will either present a screen display of the reservationsmade, or provide a voice synthesized message of the same for therequested hotel, and/or restaurant, and/or ground transportationarrangements made.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the present AA system utilizes thefollowing airport and transportation related domain names owned byAirportAmerica.com:

lclickbagchk.com aaachicagoairport.com lclicktx.comaaachicagoairports.com aaaairdiscounts.com aaachinatrips.comaaaairfare.com aaacorpsuites.com aaaairport.com aaadiscounttix.comaaaairport.net aaafrankfurtairport.com aaaairportal.comaaahongkongairport.com aaaairporthotel.com aaaintlairports.comaaaairporthotels.com aaairportpark.com aaaairportinns.comaaairportvalet.com aaaairports.com aaairportvaletpark.comaaaairports.net aaairportworld.com aaaairportstay.com aaairtx.comaaaairtravel.com aaasuites.com aaaairtrips.com aaaticketrez.comaaaamsterdamairport.com aaavalet.com aaacheapairtix.comaaaworldairports.com aaacheaptix.com aabeamtx.com aairportvalet.comaairportpark.com aakiosk.com airportsuites.com aaticketrez.comairportsus.com aatx.com airportsusatoday.comaeropuertointernacionaljosemarti.com airportsusatoday.netaeropuertosdeestadosunidos.com airportsworldb2b.comaeropuertosdemiami.com airportus.com aeropuertosdemiami.netairportvalet4u.com aeropuertosus.com airportvaletpark.comaeropuertosusa.com airportvillas.com airlineterminals.comairportwarehouse.net airport2airport.com airportworldalmanac.comairportalmanac.com alaskaairport.com airportalmanac.netalaskaairports.com airportamerica.com alaskaairports.netairportamericabanc.com alaskavacations.net airportamericabank.comallaboutairports.com airportapartments.com almacenaeropuerto.comairportapartments.net amsairport.com airportapartmentsuites.comamsterdamairportinfo.com airportbanc.com amsterdamairportschiphol.comairportbancamerica.com amsterdamairportschipol.comairportbankamerica.com amsterdamamsairport.com airportco.comamsterdamintairport.com airportconcessions.com amsterdamschiphol.comairportdomain.com ancairport.com airportdutyfreeshops.comanchorageintairport.com airportfueling.com apartamentosdelaeropuerto.comairportfurnishedapartments.com apartamentosdemiami.comairporthotelsuites.com apartmentsus.net airporthotelsuites.netapartmentsusa.net airportinc.com asiaairtrips.com airportindustrial.comatlantaairport.net airportinformation.net atlantaairportapartments.comairportjetfuel.com atlantaairportcarrentals.com airportmotel.netatlantaairportcorporatesuites.com airportmotelsearch.comatlantaairporthotel.com airportoffices.net atlantaairporthotels.netairportofficesuite.com atlantaairportlodging.com airportrans.comatlantaairportlodging.net airportrentals.net atlantaairportmotels.comairportsamerica.net atlantaairportmotels.net airportsroundtheworld.comatlantaairportoffices.com airportsrus.com atlantaairportrentalcars.comairportsrus.net atlantaairports.com atlantaairporttransportation.comatlantaairportsuites.com atlantaairportwarehouses.com bushintairport.comatlantahartsfieldinternationalairport.combushintercontinentalairport.comatlantahartsfieldinternationalairport.net buyeasyairlinetickets.comatlantainternationalairport.com bwiintairport.comatlantainternationalairport.net caracasairport.comatlhartsfieldairport.com caracasairport.net atlhartsfieldintlairport.comcaracasintlairport.com atlhartsfieldintlairport.comcaracasmaiquetiaintlairport.com atlintairport.com ccsairport.comatlinternationalairport.com cghairport.com atlintlairport.comcharlotteairport.net ausairport.com charlottecltairport.comaustinairport.net charlotteintlairport.com austinausairport.comcheapairportfuel.com b2bairport2airport.com cheapairportoffice.comb2bairportcargo.com cheapchinatrips.com b2bairportfreight.comcheapezairlinetickets.com b2bus airports.com cheaptx.comb2bworldairports.com chicagoairports.net bahamatrips.comchicagoairtrips.com baltimorewashingtonintlbwiairport.comchicagointernationalairport.com bancamericaairports.comchicagoohareairport.net bangkokairport.net chicagoohareintairport.combankamericaairport.com chicagoohareinternationalairport.combankamericaportal.com chicagoohareinternationalairport.netbanknairports.com chicagoord.com beijingairport.netchicagoordairport.com beijingchinaairport.com chicagotairrips.combeijingpekairport.com chinaairport.net berlintxlairport.comchinaairports.net bid4pennies.com cincinnaticvgairport.combkkairport.com cltairport.com bogotaairport.comcoloradospringsairport.net bogotaairport.net cvgintairport.combosairport.com dallasairport.net bostonairport.net dallasairports.combostonloganintairport.com dallasftworthairport.combrusselsbruairport.com dallasftworthairport.net buenosairesairport.comdcaairport.com buenosairesairport.net dcnationalairport.combuenosairesezeizaintlairport.com denairport.com bushhoustonairport.comdenintairport.com bushhoustonintairport.com denverairport.netbushhoustonintercontinentalairport.com denverairports.comdetroitairport.net departamentosmiami.comdetroitwaynecntymetroairport.com fastezairports.com dfwintairport.comfastezairports.net dfwintlairport.com fcoairport.com dfwterminal.comfllairport.com diaairport.com floridakeyshotelrooms.comdiscountfueling.com flyatlantaairport.com disneyworldairport.comflyaustraliaairports.com dtwairport.com flybeach.com dtwmetroairport.comflybeaches.com eairportcommerce.com flybrasilia.comeasyairlinetickets.com flychicagoairport.com easyairportvalet.comflychinatrips.com esmaart.com flydenverairport.com eurairport.comflyeuropeairports.com eur-airport.com flymexicocity.comeuropeairtrips.com flymountains.com everyairport.com flynassau.comewrairport.com flyoverseasairports.com experiencedsecretary.comflytheretoday.com ezaircharters.com flyusairport.comezairlinetickets.com flyusairports.com ezairportfuel.com flyusatoday.netezairportoffice.com flyustrips.com ezairportpark.com fraairport.comezairportparking.com frankfurtairport.net ezairportvalet.comfrankfurtfraairport.com ezbaggage.com frankfurtintairport.comezcheapairportfuel.com freeairtx.com ezcheapfuel.comfreeportintlairport.com ezcheckn.com ftlairport.com ezchinatrips.comftlairport.net ezeintairport.com ftlauderdaleintlairport.comezeverest.com ftlauderdaleintlairport.net ezfastairports.comftlauderdalintl.com ezfastairports.net gigairport.com ezflightinfo.comgiveutix.com ezflightinsurance.com giveutx.com ezjetfuel.com givutix.comezl-touch.com habanacubaaeropuerto.com ezltouch.comhartsfieldatlantainternationalairport.com ezone.comhartsfieldatlantainternationalairport.net eztixrez.comhavanainternationalairport.com eztxrez.com havanajosemartiairport.comezworldairports.com helsinkihelairport.com higheverest.comhelsinkivantaaairport.com highhimilaya.com lasairport.comhimalayatrips.com lasvegasairport.net hkgairport.comlasvegasmcarranintairport.com hkinternationalairport.comlauderdaleairport.com hndairport.com laxairport.com hnlairport.comlaxtrips.com hongkongairports.com lgwairport.com hongkongairtrips.comlhrairport.com hongkonginthkgairport.com limairport.comhongkongintrntnlairport.com limajorgechavezintlairport.comhonoluluairport.net limaperuairport.com honoluluintlairport.comlondonairportinfo.com hoteldelaeropuerto.com londongatwickairport.comhoustonairport.net londongbairports.comhoustonbushintercontintalairport.com londonheathrow.nethoustongbushintercontinentalairport.com londonheathrowlhrairport.comhoustoniahairport.com londonlgwairport.comhoustonintercontinentalairport.com londonlhrairport.comiahhoustonairport.com madairport.com iahintercontinentalairport.commadridairport.net informacionaeropuerto.com manchestermanairport.cominternationalairportalmanac.com mcoairport.cominternationalairportalmanac.net mdwairport.cominternationalairportinfo.com memairport.cominternationalairportsalmanac.com memphisairport.netinternationalairportsalmanac.net memphismemairport.cominternationalairtrips.com mexairport.cominterrnationalairportalmanac.com mexicocityairport.comjacksonvilleflairport.com miaairport.com jetplanesinc.com miaairport.netjustintimeairport.com miaairportauthority.com justintimeflight.commiaairportauthority.net justntimeairport.com miaairporttrip.comjustntimeflight.com miaairporttrips.com justntimeticketing.commiainternationalairport.com justntimetickets.commiainternationalairport.net justntimetrips.commiamiairportapartments.com kennedyairport.netmiamiairportcorporatesuitrs.com kennedyjfkairport.commiamiairportcorpsuites.com keylargolodge.com miamiairporthotel.com1aairport.net miamiairportlodging.com laairports.com miamiairports.comlaguardialgaairport.com miamiairporttransportation.comlainternationalairport.com miamiairporttrips.com miamiapartments.netmiamiairprtcorpratesuites.com miamiintairport.com pariscdgairport.commiamiinternationalairport.net parisoryairport.com miamiintlairport.comparistrips.com milanintairport.com pbiairport.com milanmxpairport.compbiinternationalairport.com minneapolisairport.netphiladelphiaphlairport.com minneapolisstpaulinternationalairport.comphlairport.com minneapolisstpaulmspairport.com phoenixairport.netmoscowintlairport.com phxairport.com mspairpor.com pittsburgairport.commucairport.com pittsburghpitairport.com mundialaerolineas.compmiairport.com mundialaeropuertos.com rent4cents.com mundialaviones.comrentairportoffice.com mundialterminal.com rioairport.netmundialterminales.com riodejaneirointlairport.com munichmucairport.comrockymountainairtrips.com mxpairport.com rockymountaintrips.comnassuaairport.com romeairports.com newarkewrairport.comromefcoairport.com neworleansairport.net ronaldreagandcaairport.comneworleansintairport.com ronaldreaganwashingtonnationalairport.comneworleansmsyairport.com saltlakeairport.com newyorkairport.netsaltlakeairport.net newyorkairports.net saltlakecityairport.netnrtairport.com saltlakecityslcairport.com nyjfkairport.comsanairport.com nylgaairport.com sanfransiscoairport.com nylgwairport.comsanintairport.com oficinadelaeropuerto.com sanjoseirport.comoharechicagoairport.com sanjoseirport.net ohareord.comsanjosesjcairport.com ohareordintlairport.com sanjosesjcintairport.comordairport.com sanjosesjoairport.com ordairport.net sanjuanairport.comorlandoairport.net sanjuanairport.net orlandointairport.comsantiagochileairport.com orlandomcoairport.comsantiagointernationalairport.com oryairport.comsaopaulocongonhasintlairport.com osakaintairport.comsaopaulointlairport.com osakakixairport.com sclairport.compalmademallorcaairport.com seaairport.com panamaairport.comseattleairport.net parisairport.net seattleintairport.comseattleseaairport.com seattleinternationalairport.comseattletacomaintairport.com usairport.net selairport.comusairporthotels.net seoulintairport.com usairportinfo.comseoulkoreaairport.com usairportinfo.net seoulkrairport.comusairportinformation.com seoulselairport.com usairportlodging.comsfointairport.com usairportlodging.net sfointlairport.comusairportrentacar.com shopezfly.com usairportrentacar.netshopnflyairports.com usairports.net sinairport.com usairportspark.comsingaporeairport.net usairportsparking.com singaporechangiairport.comusairporttransportation.com sjcintairport.com usairporttrips.comstlouisairport.com usairporttrips.net

The system is further programmed to utilize these domains in respondingto a member's selection of a particular airport for departure and/orreturn flights. Also, for providing various services the system isdesigned to provide additional sites related to travel and passengerconveniences including restaurants and currently utilizes the followingInternet addresses:

Airlineterminals.com Easyairlinetickets.com Airport Concessions.comEzairlinetickets.com Airportdutyfreeshops.com Ezairportparking.comAirportindustrial.com Ezaircharters.com Airportoffices.netEzfastairports.com Airportrentals.net Ezflightinsurance.comAirportsuites.com Fastezairports.com Airportvalet4u.com Freeairtx.comAirportvaletpark.com Justintimeairport.com Allaboutairports.comJustintimeflight.com Airportamericabanc.com Justintimetrips.comAirportamericabank.com Justntimeticketing.com Aiportbanc.comLotterygivutix.com Airportbankamerica.com Rent4cents.comBuyeasyairlinetickets.com Usairportspark.com Cheapezairlinestickets.comShopezfly.com Cheaptx.com Shopnflyairports.com

As previously indicated, AA membership is obtained by simply logging inthe first time and following filling out of name, address, phone, fax,e-mail, cell phone number, the member' credit card is assigned a pinnumber. Members receive a free e-mail if they so desire. Afterenrollment the AA member simply logs-on with member password and thenscans Flight information and orders tickets which are delivered onlinevia ezflightinfo.com, eztxrez.com, or 1clicktx.com. All domain names(e.g. .coms) mentioned herein are owned by AA. If the member is cuttingit close, or on the way to the airport, the member can go online orelectronically communicate through a palmtop, laptop computer, cellphone, or WAP phone (WAPairtx.com, WAPairtix.com). Tickets can beprinted out either at AirportAmerica Kiosks 11 (see FIG. 1) locatedstrategically throughout the airport through a partnering with the localsponsor airport, or on a computer printer. The reservations are verifiedvisually at the gate, or verified electronically at the gate (1clicktx,buyeasyairlinetickets, easyairlinetickets, ezairlinetickets).

If a member's plans unexpectedly change or if a flight is cancelled ordelayed the member is instantly notified by an AA automatic alarm on apalm or computer, or via cellular phone on the go thru AA chip orInternet connect thru AA icon on a WAP phone. If really tight for timethe member can elect to go to justntimetrips.com, justntimeairport.com,justntimeflight.com; airportvaletpark.com or airportvalet4u.com. Throughjustntime the member can arrange to drive to the terminal where thevalet station closest to his concourse will take the member's car, checkhis bag, and point out the required concourse and gate. The member alsocan use an AA computer terminal to print out tickets and itineraries asthe member rushes right to the gate. If the AA member needs a cart toexpedite travel to the gate, it is there, he leaves it at the gate andit will be picked up later. All this is automatically billed to the AAmember. A member can check AA for up to the minute weather en route viajust 1 click to ezweatherck.com. If the flight is missed, the member canjust click to ezaircharters. AA will arrange for charters from thedeparting airport that by agreement are on standby. The charteroperators selected by AA for inclusion ensure that standby a andequipment are available based on pre-set agreements.

A member can change travel plans on the run thru use of a palm, an iCellphone 22, cell phone 17, laptop 20, or at an AA kiosk 11 and/orconnectors provided at the airport (for example—ATL). The member canobtain a text confirmation at an AA kiosk 11 (computer printout) or at agate airline link.

The member can have rent-a-car pickup and return at an AA affiliatevalet stand. The valet will have a car ready at a destination airportvalet stand when the AA member deplanes in a destination city. The valetgives the member an AA stub. At the end of the trip the AA member mayopt to leave the rent a car at the valet stand airportvalet4u.com. AllAA affiliated airport hotels and suites must provide pickup and returnof AA member and luggage.

For reserved parking in the building, AA e-mails to the member thelocation of the reserved parking spot, for example, “North daily 3level, any of spaces 45-56.”

Through use of AA's Cartracker, a member can scroll thru a parkinggarage map displayed by AA on a monitor, permitting the member to, bypalm, iCell phone 22 or cell phone 17, mark the location in the parkingbuilding. Upon return to a home city, and while going to the parkinggarage, a member can just scroll through maps of parking structures tolocate a blinking light on iCell parking garage map indicating thelocation of car. In one embodiment, an infrared beam crosses reservedparking spaces. The beam is released by the member inserting their AApin number in a key pad on adjacent stanchion, otherwise interruption ofthe beam sets off the alarm. Release of the beam is sent to anaffiliate's computer in the garage, and sent on to AA local web parkingpage. When the member plugs in a pin number that disengages the beam,such action notifies the parking garage computer that the space reservedfor the member is occupied by someone else. If a nonmember drives a carin the space the interrupted beam sets off an alarm.

An AA member is also eligible for lottery and AA points towardfreeairtx.com, freetix.com, and giveutx.com and can collect visa milesfor AA affiliate purchases in addition to the discounts.

A courier delivery service can be used by a member to retrieve neededmerchandise from local stores for delivery to a hotel or airport(subcontractors/affiliate).

A member can order a personal valet to directly pick up baggage, anddrive the member to an airport from a hotel, and assist with check in.

As previously indicated, a member can connect to AA semi-officialwebsites of the world's major airports (which are AA owned andcontrolled domains). AA owns at least one and usually several of themost common domain names of the fifty or more busiest airports in theworld, each of which is cross-linked so that reference to any portion ofan airport name by an AA member will lead to the web site and to an AAportal through metatags. AirportAmerica is the portal to domestic andoverseas AA owned websites.

Members are provided discounts via AA bids to affiliates who providerent-a-car, hotels, apartments, temporary office suites, restaurants,travel packages thru AA owned websites such as rent4cents.com,ezairportoffice.com and cheapairportoffice.com.

AA provides Airport Facilities Information to members via pull-downmenus or choice communication for the following (this list may beexpanded):

-   -   A. Airline lounges    -   B. Conference Center    -   C. Financial Services—AA sponsored ATM, cash advances on credit        cards, travelers checks, money orders, foreign currency        exchanges, ATM    -   D. Locker Rental    -   E. Lost and Found    -   F. Parking    -   G. Post Office    -   H. Visitor Info    -   I. Information translated into passenger's choice of 7 languages

A unique function provided by the AA system is STANDARDIZATION—acomplete range of services available in each member airport set out inthe AA web site credited to that airport, are linked like spokes of awagon wheel to the AA hub/portal. The AA portal is the brains, theoperations center (OP. Center) and the clearing house. The OP centercontinuously updates all information, individual of member airportwebsites, and maintains and continuously improves the website for thebenefit of the airport. When a member logs on to the site the airportgets primary billing at a fraction of the cost of attempting to maintainsuch a site itself. All services listed are available at all AAairports.

Queries are instantly transmitted to the AA OP Center via interactivecomputer-Kiosks 11 at the intersections of concourses, and gates andother strategic high traffic areas of the terminal. For example, assumea 1-800-400-1024 connection to AA for cell phone users for Ft Lauderdale(FLT), weather, and other information providing reservation and,ticketing information. Any other areas can be simultaneously connected.Thru affiliate relationships with companies in the cutting edge of WAPtechnology, iCell and cell phone access will become the Internet accessfor mobile links to AA, and all information a member requires while onthe run. AA stores the information accessed thru pin numbers or cookies.

Printouts of justntimeticketing.com can be obtained by downloading tothe 3″×3″ wireless printer which can be clipped to the waist or printedwhile in briefcase, at AA interactive remote-Kiosks 11 located at theintersection of each concourse and terminal and/or out in concourse orlocal airport information center. An example of an AA e-ticket 202 isshown in FIG. 22. Note that the coded marks 204 to the right of the“Flight:” number provide a security clearance means for a member toobtain fast security screening or checkout.

AA Pre-Clearance—this is an important part of the AA seamless airportand air travel concept. Seamless connotes without bottlenecks. One ofthe major annoyances of the airport experience is the holdup at securitywhen going from the central terminal to board the flight, so eliminatingthis delay helps to promote the AA seamless argument. Pre clearanceinvolves AA as an agent for the FAA. AA conducts a sufficient inquiry ofthose members who elect this aspect of membership to enable AA toprovide adequate information to the FAA to conduct a thorough securitycheck, in order to obtain an expeditious security clearances to bypassor breeze through security.

As indicated, AA expedited pre-clearance is the key to a memberobtaining expedited Access through security to the gate. This isaccomplished by an FAA approved pre-clearance security check of an AAmember who volunteers for the Fast Security Check Program as a result ofthe AA member filling out an AA Electronic Personal SecurityQuestionnaire [ESPQ] which is then submitted to the FAA. Upon approvalby the FAA of the member following computer investigation, the AA memberwill be eligible for preflight implementation of preflight securityclearance through a security checkpoint to the gate which is evidencedby an encrypted code 204 or security stamp on e-ticket 202 (see FIG.22).

-   -   The questionnaire requires:    -   Member name,    -   Address,    -   Phone numbers,    -   Social security number,    -   photo, and    -   electronic finger and face print for identification.

This ESPQ form provides fast encrypted security verification for eachtrip based on computer update of ESPQ. This usually results inpre-clearance, and the AA member just walks through the unmannedautomated security gate. As the bar code 208 on the AA member's e-ticketmakes contact with the infra-red beam at this unmanned station, theautomated gate opens. The AA member goes through the security station enroute to gate.

In the alternative, the AA member presents the e-ticket with encryptedsecurity code or stamp to an attendant, who verifies through a computercheck by passing a wand over the e-ticket bar code 208. If the AA memberpasses this five to fifteen second process, the AA member is waivedthrough a manually operated Green Lane, thus bypassing any queue or holdup at the security checkpoint. Approval gives clearance and the levelsof access through Green Lane.

Note that AA provides the system with domains associated withpre-clearance. For example, Preclearsecurity.com, andFastsecuritychek.com are provided.

FIGS. 3 through 17 show examples of pull-down menus available to amember for obtaining desired travel information and making reservations.Other pull-down menus can be configured for expanding the usefulness ofthe system. FIGS. 23 and 24 show additional views of the sort ofinformation that may be provided as part of the standard web site.

An example of an AirportAmerica (AA) member utilizing the present systemto make his/her airport, flight and travel experience easier, faster,cheaper and friendlier, will now be given. It is the inventor'sunderstanding that the following combination of unique and non-obviousfeatures provide what no other airport site is currently offering. AAowns at least one .com domain name of every major (top 50) airport inthe world and of the largest five or ten AA owns several. For example,Atlanta: Atlantahartsfield.com, atlantainternationalairport.com,atlintlairport.com, Hartsfieldatlantainternationalairport.com,atlhartsfieldairport.com, atlinternationalairport.com,atlhartsfieldintlairport.com and atlintairport.com are all separate AAowned domain names. They will be separate-linked web sites, all linked,and all leading to the AA portal. The links are the spokes to the hub:AA is the hub. Each Atl web site or any combination of words for thatairport through meta-tags, etc., will lead to the standardized Atlwebsite, and then to the AA portal. For example, say an AA member, Bondis his name, is in the company office in Cincinnati, who at 4:00 pmnotices that a conference for the Americas is starting today in Miamiand a member of the Chilean delegation is speaking tomorrow a.m. is thebusiness contact he has been trying to reach in Chile. He normally couldnever make a flight to attend.

Bond can attend through use of this AA membership. He clicks to AA, goesto “C” for Cincinnati in the “Departing Airport”, and “M” for Miami for“Arrival Airport” and obtains all of the flights for today. In luck,there is one last flight leaving in just over one hour. Bond runs downto the parking garage, jumps in his car and takes out his iCell phone,and using voice recognition says “Internet”, then “AirportAmerica DepartCIN after 4:00 pm today Arrive MIA today.” AA responds “you are bookedbusiness class, aisle 24 b, as is your preference Mr. Bond (from profileon file) you may proceed to concourse “A, gate 4” to pick up your ticket(with AA the maximum discount is automatically credited), and board orget a printout at any AA kiosk 11, one is located at the informationbooth or in the terminal at the intersection of concourse A. Do you wishto go ezairportparking.com or aaavalet.com? If you selectezairportparking.com north daily is open, but we notice it is less thanone hour until your departure, we recommend aaavalet.com” Bond clicksezparking and requests expedited as an option in justintimeairport.com.He then clicks on up to the minute traffic map to the airport and sees abottleneck flash on the interstate, exits around the fender bender,pulls up to valet fifteen minutes later and leaves the car. He ispre-cleared through security by hand wand by security personnel at valetwho have been notified that he has elected expedite. The security personaccompanies him through the security bypass and around those long lines,and he then places his briefcase and hand luggage in a waiting AA cartand proceeds to board just in time. He then settles in the seat, butbefore turning off his electronic equipment, he orders the I-phone orWAP phone to have a club limousine waiting at MIA, and to makereservations at the closest airport suites hotel, and bids $75 for onebedroom with a computer port. In a few seconds a confirmation numberappears with the AA discount built in. He then commands Miami downtownrestaurants. In a flash a list of preferred restaurants and a rating forprice and quality appear. He picks the Biltmore in the expensivecategory because the conference is there and he can have a drink. Hemakes rez.com for 8:30 P.M. Bond arrives in Miami, flicks on the iCell,reviews the e-mail and finds the Black Lincoln town car club limo iswaiting upstairs concourse B at the AA valet stand. He stops at the AAkiosk 11 near his gate, selects general information from the home page,and then clicks terminal layout. He locates the AA valet at Concourse B.Bond then puts in his AA trip PIN number and in a few seconds receivespage one of hard copy of a reservation at Airport Villas with a map anda note that an AA travel pac (drop kit) is in his room. Page 2 of theprintout confirms the Biltmore. Page three confirms the Ralph Laurenblue dress shirt, underwear and socks he ordered from AA“airportvalet4u.com” will be delivered to his hotel by“airportvalet4u.com” courier by 7:00. p.m. If he has any questions thedriver's cell number and store location and telephone number areincluded.

The AirportAmerica system establishes a set of standardized,user-friendly airport information templates and websites. Uniformitycreates familiarity that makes for easier, faster member and public useof the aa-airport websites, (every airport that is a member of AA isprovided an AA website that is for the most part identical to all othermember airport websites and still incorporating unique features andservices, etc. of that airport. AA encourages conformance with AAtemplate). This can be seen in FIGS. 23 and 24.

As previously indicated, AA membership is obtained by simply logging inthe first time and following filling out of name, address, phone, fax,e-mail, cell phone number, the member's credit card and/or debit card isassigned a pin number. Members receive a free e-mail if they so desire.After enrollment the AA member simply logs-on with member password andthen scans Flight information, orders tickets which are delivered onlinevia ezflightinfo.com, eztxrez.com, 1clicktx.com. All .coms mentionedherein are owned by AA. If the member is cutting it close, or on the wayto the airport, the member can go online or electronically communicatethrough a palmtop, laptop computer, cell phone, WAP phone (WAPairtx.com,WAPairtix.com) or iCell/smart card. Tickets can be printed out either atAirportAmerica Kiosks 11 (see FIG. 1) located strategically throughoutthe airport through a partnering with the local sponsor airport, or on acomputer printer. The reservations are verified visually at the gate, orverified electronically at the gate (1clicktx, buyeasyairlinetickets,easyairlinetickets, ezairlinetickets).

If a member's plans unexpectedly change or if a flight is cancelled ordelayed the member is instantly notified by an AA automatic alarm on apalm or computer, or via cellular phone on the go thru AA chip orInternet connect thru AA icon on phone device. If really tight for timethe member can elect to go to justntimetrips.com, justntimeairport.com,justntimeflight.com; airportvaletpark.com or airportvalet4u.com. Throughjustntime the member can arrange to drive to the terminal where thevalet station closest to his concourse will take the member's car, checkhis bag, and point out the required concourse and gate. The member alsocan use an AA computer terminal to printout tickets and itineraries asthe member rushes right to the gate. If the AA member needs a cart toexpedite travel to the gate, it is there, he leaves it at the gate andit will be picked up later. All this is automatically billed to the AAmember. A member can check AA for up to the minute weather en route viajust 1 click to ezweatherchk. If the flight is missed, the member canjust click to ezaircharters. AA will arrange for charters from thedeparting airport that by agreement are on standby. The airport displayscharter information on the flight schedule monitors.

For the convenience of AA members, AA maintains one or more lounges ineach airport with an AA liaison who operates as a local liaison with theairport and as a personal concierge to AA members.

A member can change travel plans on the run thru use of a palm, an iCell22, cell phone 17, laptop 20, or at an AA kiosk 11 and/or connectorsprovided at the airport (for example—ATL). The member can obtain a textconfirmation at an AA kiosk 11 (computer printout) or at a gate airlinelink.

Information Management

In order for a user to have access to the present system, the user mustfirst enroll on the system. As described in greater detail below, theuser has the prerogative to provide varying levels of detail as part ofboth the enrollment and subsequent modification processes. Anyinformation not initially provided by the member can later be added tothe profile. Information may be deleted as well. In doing so, the usermust provide some identification information for the profile, at leastto the level of the minimum-mandatory information in order for themember to be classified as an AA certified traveler. Theminimum-mandatory information is the minimum level that can qualify anAA member to be certified. The amount of information that constitutesminimum can be adjusted over time by the administrators of the AAcentral server. Beyond the minimum standard, the member may elect tosubmit to additional security scrutiny and testing in order to obtain ahigher gradation level resulting in a more seamless travel experience.Enrollment also includes providing the system with personal data used tofacilitate travel management.

The profile includes such information as name, address, telephonenumber, email, credit card and/or debit card information, desired classof air travel (e.g., coach, business, first class), airline carrierpreference, seating preferences, travel time preferences, mealpreferences, self park or valet parking, hotel preferences, rental carpreferences, hologram animation of the applicant's face, full faceprofile, five second 360° facial video which over time may be extendedto show prominent distinguishable features, retinal scan, fingerprints,facial scan, distinguishing marks, DNA, and so forth, all of which willbe encrypted. A record of the user's profile is stored in a centralmemory of the system as discussed below. The user receives a PIN numberfor access to the system.

The system manages personal information for multiple purposes toexpedite and facilitate the travel experience. For example, personalinformation such as travel preferences and credit card and/or debit cardaccount information is stored to facilitate expedited reservationservices that would otherwise require the member to provide largeamounts of data for each transaction. Other personal information isstored and usable by security personnel to expedite security clearances.Some of the personal data that can be stored on the centralAirportAmerica systems are:

-   -   Name, addresses, phone numbers and emails    -   Travel preferences        -   Class of service preference        -   Desired class of air travel (e.g., coach, business, first            class)        -   Desired fare information (lowest fare with restrictions,            least restrictive fares)        -   Typical departure airport preference        -   Travel criteria information (scheduled airline preference,            nonstop only, equipment type, airport gradation/level, etc.)        -   Priorities for travel recommendations and automatic booking            -   Gradation/level of participating travel companies            -   Method of travel (air, sea, car, bus, etc.)            -   Number of stops            -   Company preferences (American Airlines, Amtrak, etc.)        -   Travel time preferences        -   Meal preferences        -   Car preferences        -   Hotel preferences        -   Frequent flyer data organized by Airline        -   Frequent traveler data for other travel providers (car,            hotel, etc.)        -   Frequency of travel (also beneficial for sharing with            airport parking facilities)        -   Preferred method of travel to or from the airport (self            drive via private car or travel via bus, train, taxi; this            information is useful to help forecast needs for auxiliary            services such as parking facilities.)        -   Self park or valet parking        -   Rental car preferences        -   Other means of travel, i.e. train, short hop via car, limo,            etc.    -   Special Needs and Emergency Needs        -   Emergency Contact Information (e.g. Doctor, Lawyer, Wife,            Husband, Father)        -   Special needs such as wheelchair, seasickness, underwater            pressure, diet, etc. The system will capture any ADA            supported needs honored by the airlines.    -   Updateable Contact Information        -   Contact information that may vary based on traveler's            current travels. For example, the name and phone and email            of the person who the traveler is meeting can be input and            updated as needed.        -   The updateable contact information plays a key role in            ensuring that the appropriate people impacted by            modifications to the traveler's travel plans can be notified            via the reliable messaging process that is provided by the            AA system.    -   Biometric information        -   Hologram animation of face        -   Retinal scan        -   Fingerprints        -   Facial scan        -   Distinguishing marks        -   DNA

The data that a member provides to AA is private and cannot be shared inits pure state with anyone without express permission by the user. Thereis an aggregation/demographic layer which rolls up the informationprovided for the purposes of gathering overall statistics of theutilization of the system. So, a member's passport number is not sharedbut the fact that this member is a U.S. male citizen between the ages of40 and 50 may be useful to gain a better idea of the behavior patternsof the membership and also to provide a means for future targetedpromotions of potential members. The travel preferences may also bebeneficial in terms of gathering an understanding of areas that could beof greater value to the AA member. This provides the basis of the datathat may be required in support of a “light” Customer RelationshipManagement. This system allows AA to preserve a respect for privacywhile enabling information gathering for statistical purposes

Each member's identification and authentication information is stored onthe OneTouch issued to the member, as discussed below, and at thecentral memory or database in order to provide for a three-way securitymatch and to insure against tampering with the OneTouch device. Thecentral computer or server provides access to the web pages and otherdata stored in the memory of the system. Secure information is protectedfor the privacy of the members. Such information is available only byway of reference to matching data but not to directly access the securedinformation itself. To verify the identity of a member, the AA systemmay be accessed to confirm that the presented information matches theidentification information in the central database and that the memberremains in good standing. The central server, however, does not releaseidentification information during this process. The physicalidentification exercise at the gate makes the minimum three-way match.If the security worker is not at the gate, a security worker may viewthe process remotely through multiple cameras mounted on the cart as thepassenger goes through the security check at the gate and as thecarry-on is scanned. This security check is fast because the AA memberhas trip pin information, radio transmitted information, and bar codeand ticket number.

The additional identification information makes the matching of a memberbag to the member an easier, faster process. This feature contributes tothe faster boarding process for the member, requiring less lead-time atthe airport. The match is quickly made between the member, the seat onthe aircraft and the bag in the hold.

For added security, all of the communication between the system centralserver, kiosks, smart cards, and the web-site is always encrypted suchas by means of a two-way SSL (Secured Socket Layer). Using two-way SSLallows the central server and the various clients to authenticate eachother to make sure the clients are in fact communicating with theauthentic system central server and the central server is in factcommunicating with the specified client. In addition, all data sent backand forth between client and server is encrypted so that devices notmeant to view the data cannot understand or alter the data. Furthermore,the system stores member passwords only in an encrypted form. The systemcan check a password for a match by encrypting the password with thesame key that encrypted the stored password. The system then comparesthe two encrypted passwords for a match.

Gradation

The system is of a flexible design that permits operation at a number oflevels of personal information. These levels apply both to individualmembers and to travel facilities that integrate with AA. Examples ofsuch travel facilities include airports, airlines, ports, terminals,security agencies, hotels, car rental agencies, charter companies,railroads, stations, taxi services, limousine services, bus lines,depots, ferries, and other travel provider facilities. The flexiblelevels of compliance for using personal information in the system arereferred to as Gradation. Members may provide more or less informationand in turn will meet the requirements of higher or lower compliancelevels. FIG. 25 shows the various gradation levels with 1 representingthe minimum amount of mandatory information and 6 representing thehighest level. The actual set of gradations may vary and is systemconfigurable. As discussed in further detail below, the member'sOneTouch is able to display the gradation or security level that themember has obtained. The members receive benefits based on their levelof compliance. Gradation levels for facilities are based upon how wellthe facility integrates with the AA system; a facility achieves a highergradation level by having in place policies, procedures and technologiesthat will properly use and safeguard the information of each compliancelevel of the system to enhance the individuals travel experience.

This travel management system provides gradation levels to eachindividual member and to each participating facility or serviceprovider. The gradation levels are also assigned to travel facilityemployees and other workers on the travel facility such a vendor's andvendor's employees. As seen in FIG. 25, the set of gradation levels alsovaries for the participating facilities or service providers. A level ofranking for airports and passenger is similar to distinctions used todayfor hotels (a five star hotel versus a three star hotel), and airlineclasses of service (first class, business class, economy). The conceptof gradation introduces a new AirportAmerica ranking—the moresophisticated the airport in terms of integration with the AA system,adaptation of the technology, and the streamlining of the processes, thehigher the ranking that airport achieves. The same gradation applies topassengers-those who have passed the criteria on a greater set ofcriteria will have higher rankings than those who simply complete theminimum mandatory requirements of information. For example, a passengermay be willing to provide some but not all requested membershipinformation. The more information that is voluntarily provided by apassenger, the faster the processing time is likely to be, butnonetheless the level of information provided is a personal preferenceof the individual member. In applying compliance levels to facilitiessuch as airports, it is likely that some airports may be more nimble andable to adapt the technology infrastructure than others. It is likelythat not all participating airports will be able to take advantage ofall the technological advances facilitated by AirportAmerica at once.The use of Gradation introduces a spectrum of the amount of informationand capacity to utilize the data. Individual members attain a higherlevel of certification based upon degree of individual disclosure andsubmission to governmental scrutiny beyond the minimum mandatory levelof scrutiny. Airports and other travel ports can attain different levelsof AirportAmerica certification. These levels of certification, referredto as gradation, are based upon the airport or travel port's equipment,data utilization, and so forth.

The various grades that are available will be both color coded(gradients of green where light green is associated with least amount ofdata or Level 1 and dark green is associated with the maximum level ofdata or Level 2) as well as identifiable by a numeric value associatedwith the level of certification. Gradation and Level of Certificationare synonymous as used in this document. The level of gradation will beindicated on the member's OneTouch as a color and/or number.

From a travel provider or facility perspective, the certificationprocess will be a source of pride for the facility. The certificationlevel provided to a facility (i.e. airport, port, etc.) is anotherparameter upon which a traveler may base his or her decision to travel.A traveler may select an airport that carries a darker shade of green orgreater level certification than one that is not certified at all or onethat has a lighter shade of green or lower level of certification. Thisgradation information allows travelers to base their flight plans aroundwhich airports will make their travel easier by making the most use oftheir AirportAmerica membership. The certification-level data will beshared with a number of the Global Distribution System providers (suchas Sabre, Worldspan, Amadeus, Galileo) as well as the variety ofInternet based booking engines (such as Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz andothers of similar function). Thus, flights can be prioritized based oncriteria such as “1—Non Stops First, 2—Highest Level of CertificationAirport” (applies particularly to multiple airport cities such as thechoice among LGA, JFK, EWR in metropolitan New York City). Knowing thecertification levels or gradation levels of travel facilities andproviders (such as airports or charter operators) enables the travelerto include this criteria in determining what is important to him/her inhis/her travel. Different travelers may order the priority of thesefactors differently: to one person, gradation level of airport may beextremely critical, placing that factor as the top priority, while thesecond priority of may be direct (as opposed to connecting) flights.

Data is stored at the AirportAmerica central servers, available as aninterfaced data record to other systems, and on a device such as aOneTouch that individual members possess. The OneTouch of the presentinvention will be discussed in further detail below. The following tableshows examples of gradation levels. Level 0 is considered no integrationwith the AirportAmerica system.

TABLE 1 Example Components of Airport gradation levels Associated ColorLevel Gradient Description Level 1 Lightest shade Kiosks are availablein the airport which automatically logs of green OneTouch holders inTicketing and gate agents verify identity by looking at the OneTouchinstead of for example a driver's license Level 2 Kelly Green Curbsidecheck-in, ticketing agents and gate agents can verify traveler and gettraveler's information by swiping OneTouch OneTouch can be used in placeof a passport (passport information is located within the OneTouch)Level 3 Darker Green Security clearances make use of facial scans andsecurity scores Level 4 Darkest Green- Security clearances make use offingerprints and retinal scans approaching charcoal Level 5, 6Additional levels for additional system configurations

TABLE 2 Example Requirements for Individual Traveler Members GradationLevels Level 1 Signed up with a simple name-based membership havingtaken a hologram picture for the OneTouch Level 2 Passport informationis stored with AirportAmerica Level 3 Facial scans are stored withAirportAmerica Criminal and credit history is accessible byAirportAmerica Level 4 Fingerprints and retinal scans are stored withAirportAmerica Levels 5, 6 Additional accessibility of information.

The data to be collected about each member can be controlled on amember-owned basis. The member application requests many data elements.The data elements are either mandatory or optional. To attain a certainlevel of certification or gradation, each member is encouraged tocomplete as much information as possible. Mandatory elements will bestored in a secured, encrypted manner on the AirportAmerica CentralServer. In addition to storing data that is also stored on the centralserver, the AirportAmerica member has an opportunity to store locallyaccessible data under “My Data Chip” that is available exclusivelywithin his OneTouch discussed below or other devices with which themember may use to interface with the AA system. This unique concept canguarantee additional privacy of certain data elements of a person on aper-person basis. The “My Data Chip,” as discussed below, stores datalocally, (i.e. in the physical possession of the member) and not on thecentral server. The data stored in the “My Data Chip” is not included aspart of the security level earned by the member. The data stored under“My Data Chip” is designed for personal, supplementary information, suchas emergency phone numbers, pin numbers to certain favorite Web sites,passwords to particular financial entities, but not dynamically changinginformation such as passport or visa. The Gradation Level provides whichlevel the member voluntarily selects to be included in. The higher thegradation level, the higher the level of expected benefits and level ofexpedited processing that member can anticipate. An example of anindividual's member data profile is shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Representative Individual Member Data Profile Maybe Stored incentral Reference AA Gradation Number Data Element Example Value server?Level Level 1 Gradation 11 LastName Bond Yes 1 12 FirstName Sharyn Yes 113 aaPassword &&**^(AA)%%$$ Yes 1 14 aaPasswordHint-What Bikky Yes NA isthe Name of your pet? 15 PassportNumber 1234589999 Yes 1 16 NationalityUSA Yes 1 . . . Level 2 Gradation 20 HologramHologram Image . . . © Yes2 Picture Level 3 Gradation 31 Criminal Background: No Record Yes 3 USA32 Criminal No Record Yes 3 Background-Interpol 33 IrisScan Iris Scandata Yes 3 . . . Supplementary Data 41 PersonalCredit MC-- Yes 2Card1Main- 5555444466667777 42 PersonalCreditCard2- VI4444555566667777No NA 43 My IDs and Passwords Place to store required No No IDs andpasswords for systems not fully integrated with AA . . .

Table 3 shows data elements and example values for representative datathat is provided to the system by an individual member. For each dataelement the gradation level and whether the individual member hasprovided permission for the data to be stored in the AA central serveris indicated. For example, at data reference number 13 shows that themember has opted to enable the central server to keep a copy of herpassword. As a result, if she loses her password, it can be re-suppliedto her. The password hint at reference number 14 would not be requestedhad the member chosen to permit the system server to store the password.Data may be stored that is not required to achieve a gradation levelfrom the system. For example, at data element 41 this individual memberhas opted to store her main credit card and/or debit card information tofacilitate purchases. She has also opted to store another credit cardand/or debit card information on her personal OneTouch but not to shareit with the central server. This choice does not impact her gradationlevel.

The gradation level of an individual member and of the facilities andservice providers he potentially may use is an extra component forscheduling travel arrangements. The AirportAmerica system will chooseroutes which are the most affordable, fastest and most convenientaccording to the member's preferences, located in the member's profile.If a traveler and an airport have a high gradation level then thattraveler would be considered a lower security risk and that airportwould be labeled by AA as a higher level. In all likelihood, a highergradation level member will seek the higher gradation airport as hispreference for travel. The priorities of these components to schedulingwill be determined by the member.

The AA service performs detailed verification in signing up andcertifying smart card holders. Accordingly, authorities such asgovernmental, quasi-governmental or other security organization intransportation facilities are able to identify properly verifiedOneTouch holders as minimal risk. The risk of a AA member who hasreached the highest gradation level, in particular, presents the mostminimum of the risks. It is anticipated that the service will conductbackground checks, secure information, and verify identity usingprocedures that permit the service to be certified, licensed orotherwise recognized by security organizations as providing reliableinformation. The system pre-clears its members and verifies theirsecurity profiles, identification information, and ticketing informationto a degree higher than airport standards. Therefore, airports can givepreferential security treatment to the AA i-card or certified OneTouchholders. This special treatment may include providing special lines forsecurity checks on OneTouch holders. These lines are much quickerbecause the security check needs only require a retinal or fingerprintscan. In addition, the system immediately identifies fraudulent use of acard. If the identity of the card holder does not match the informationstored in the system, the system immediately notifies authorities at thelocation of the fraudulent use of the card so that the fraudulent cardholder may be detained.

OneTouch

A member can interact with the system by using any compatible portableaccess device. In this preferred embodiment an electronic wireless smartcard 210 as shown in FIG. 26 is used. A preferred embodiment of thisaccess device is referred to herein as the OneTouch. The OneTouch isprovided by the service to member. The OneTouch is also provided tothose workers who have access to secure areas of a travel facility. TheOneTouch shows that the cardholder is a member and a safe and capabletraveler with varying degrees of certification/gradation. The OneTouchis a flexible laminate, with a thumb recessed area on the back of thecard that enables a non-OneTouch ATM card or credit card to be removedfrom the OneTouch case for use by older devices that cannot work withthe more advanced OneTouch.

On the back of the card is located a programmable magnetic strip 229, afingerprint image 224, power cells 226 and 227, a speaker and microphone234, a solar cell 220, an “on” sensor 221 (aka “on” button), mydata chip222, AirportAmerica smart chip 223, a bar code 228, a ringer and beeper230 a cell phone connection 231, a data port such as a USB port 232, anda light 235.

The front of the card includes a camera 237 and a display screen that isincorporated into the full face of the card 236. The top edge of thecard contains a projection device that can display a virtual keyboard onany flat surface. The card has a flexible, embedded polymer composite,ultra thin film transistor screen display, polymer silicon back-pane,and flexible circuits. A low temperature, organic, light emitting diodeprovides the technology platform with low profile miniaturizedtransistor stacks. The hardware can be flexed without damage; thus, theAA-member can put the card in his wallet without fear of crushing orotherwise damaging it.

The card may be structured like a sandwich. The top layer of theflexible sandwich contains the screen and the bottom layers the powersource including the batteries. The optimum dimension of the sandwich isjust slightly larger than a standard credit card and about six times asthick. The flexible sandwich may thus be seen as being made up of sixlayers each similar in size to a credit card. As shown in FIG. 28, alayer of the card may slip out of the sandwich that is the size of acredit card. The layer may be used in a credit card or ATM machine.Other layers may also be removable. For example, the OneTouch mayinclude a removable layer that includes an identification transponder.Such a transponder could be left in the members car in a parking lot andthen used to locate the car upon return of the member throughcommunication with remaining layers of the OneTouch which the membercarries. There are several ways to enable the release of one of thecards within the encased OneTouch. When the card is released, it cancome out for use by older systems that cannot accept the size ortechnology of the OneTouch card.

Power Cells.

The power cells 226 and 227 are rechargeable lithium ion batteries orsimilar sized batteries of other materials that clip or are embeddedinto or onto the back of the card. Because of the very low powerrequirements of the OneTouch due to its size, the batteries are verythin. In another embodiment, the batteries can be recharged in three ormore ways. First, a solar cell 220, located on the back of the OneTouch,supplies power and recharges the battery. Second, the RB (ringer/beeperdevice 230 and 233), explained in more detail below, can clip onto theOneTouch and provide power to it when the ringing device is plugged intoa power outlet with an adaptor cable. Third, the ringing device has anadditional built-in battery.

Display Screen.

The display screen is flexible, durable, thin and requires very littlepower. Electronic ink technology can be used in place of a traditionalLCD screen. This technology allows flexible screens taking up only halfthe thickness of the OneTouch. The screen allows the OneTouch to changethe appearance of the card, as shown in FIG. 27. For example, the screenmay display ticket information 240, login commands 242, storedinformation such a phone records 245, and web-pages 246 including thoseprovided by AA. The screen allows the OneTouch to provide theinformation regarding the traveler and the traveler's plans at the timethat it is required. For example, access to information on the OneTouchis secured as discussed below, accordingly OneTouch may function as apassport or other identification card by using the screen to displaysecured passport data stored in the OneTouch chip as described below.

Power consumption is reduced considerably when compared to a traditionalLCD screen. An LCD screen requires a lamp to provide light from behindthe screen, typically known as a backlight. Electronic ink doesn'trequire a backlight. Additionally, once a pixel is charged it no longerneeds power. So if the display needs to display a specific image, likethe front of a credit card, for an extended period of time, very littlepower will be drawn.

Keyboard.

In one embodiment, the OneTouch uses a roll-up keyboard, such as thekeyboard available from Think Outside, Inc., 5790 Fleet Street, Suite130, Carlsbad, Calif. 92008. Alternatively, the OneTouch uses Cirque'sGlideTouch Micro Keyboard with the PCB (printed circuit board) in theOneTouch to allow for the GlidePoint surface to roll up, available fromCirque Corp., 2463 South 3850 West, Suite A, Salt Lake City, Utah 84120.

The OneTouch may have an overlay virtual keypad that appears on thescreen with the standard numerical keyboard, alphabetical keyboard, orother functions and command buttons, all of which are hidden untilcalled up by the AA member. The screen may be utilized for Internetviewing, as seen in FIG. 27, 245, identifying data, viewing photos, andso forth.

In yet another embodiment, a red laser diode and detector is situatedbeneath the lens of the projection device to provide a miniature builtin optical mouse for scrolling up, down, right, and left, and forclicking functions.

Solar Panel.

The solar panel is located on the back side of the OneTouch (FIG. 27,220), requires a voltage regulator to regulate the amount of solar powerdistributed to the system. This will be a miniaturized version oftypical solar panel voltage regulators, such as those available fromHigh Sierra Electronics, 13355 Grass Valley Ave. C&D, Grass Valley,Calif. 95945.

Programmable Magnetic Strip.

The programmable magnetic strip on the back of the card is located 3/16″from the top of the card, exactly like standard credit cards as can beseen in FIG. 27, 229. The magnetic strip provides the back up system forelectronic transfer The OneTouch is compatible with existing, standardcredit card and/or debit card machines.

Waterproofing.

In one embodiment, the OneTouch is protected from water damage with awaterproof laminate. Only two copper contacts for each of the threeports, which provide access to a speaker, a camera, and an infrareddevice, will protrude out of the laminate to be able to recharge thebattery. When the device is not on or detects a short circuit betweenthe two contacts, it will open the circuit. The contacts are typicallyin the “open” position, preventing arcing in a moist or wet environment.The depressing of the “on” sensor 221 closes the circuit, rendering themoperational.

In another embodiment, the OneTouch is non-waterproof, thus allowing forupgrading the SmartChip to models of the chip with enhanced features andcapabilities. The SmartChip is the CPU and memory (random access andnon-volatile) of the OneTouch. This OneTouch can also be made waterproofby enclosing it in a removable waterproof encasing like the manyavailable for Palm devices, such as the products available form Man &Machine, Inc. 3706 West Street, Landover, Md. 20785.

Biometric Devices.

The biometric devices on the card allow a card owner to prevent accessto the card by anybody except himself. The biometric information can bedownloaded from the AirportAmerica central server where it was enteredat least once when the member signed up for the card and service.

A camera 237 on the top edge of the card is used for retinal or facialscans. The camera has sufficient resolution to clearly distinguish the40 distinguishing facial spots. The 40 different regions of the face arecompared to the highly detailed facial scans on file inside the device.The camera is used for gaining access to the card itself. A score iscomputed based on how closely the facial scans represent those on file.The owner of the card can set the score threshold that allows access.

A fingerprint scanner 242 is used to make sure the fingerprint is theowner of the device's fingerprint 224. Like the camera 237, thefingerprint scanner 242 is used to gain access to the card. The logon tothe system can be done by simply touching the OneTouch, Any finger canbe used, making it more difficult for unauthorized people to gainaccess.

A key point in recognizing the unique characteristic of theAirportAmerica approach to the security options is that there aremultiple approaches that together can be utilized to provide multiplebackup. Thus, the system is more reliable than if it relied upon asingle technology. For example, if face recognition is found to be lessdesirable or less reliable than another supported method then theoverall objective of improving the traveler experience and providingsecurity is not compromised. In addition, AA continuously monitorsimproving software, new technologies, and countermeasures. As thesetechnologies become sufficiently proven, as judged by AA, they areshipped as new chips to AA members holding non-water proof cards and indue course new cards sent to those holding waterproof cards.

Video Conferencing.

The one touch contains audio/visual capabilities to communicate withother OneTouch holders and other devices communicating with compatibleprotocols via audio and video. As can be seen in FIG. 27, 241, it ispossible to have two AA members communicate with one another via theirOneTouch's. In FIG. 27, 245, you can see the image of a person to whomanother member may be communicating. In another embodiment, an add-ondevice will be available to connect to the OneTouch (via the data port,232) to a TV. This will allow OneTouch owners to display their screen ona bigger device like a monitor, TV or even projection TV. This will alsofacilitate video conferencing. By receiving a video feed over thewireless internet connection, a OneTouch can use its internal videocamera to communicate with others by audio and video.

In one embodiment, the ITU H.323 standard for audio and videoconferencing will be used for handshaking, call control protocols,sequencing and compression. The audio portion of the H.323 protocol andaa's video conferencing system can be turned off to maximize videobandwidth. Conference members can then communicate by voice through theOneTouch's cell phone.

Voice Recognition.

The OneTouch uses standard voice recognition software; thus, voicecommands are translated to text and entered as if the user had typed thetext in. A member may say, “phone,” and the OneTouch will load up thephone application because that is what happens when “phone” is typedwhile the user is not inside any specific application. The OneTouchvoice recognition is based on technology where speech can be translatedto text. However, the card recognizes the speech patterns, style, andvoice of the user. The user simply selects simple voice commands fromamong a pre-programmed vocabulary and the computer interactivelyresponds with the voice that the user selected from a set of voicestyles. A wide variety of styles are available through the Valet4ufeature described below. In addition to text or voice, a set of “shortcuts” or commands will enable direct access to frequently accessedplaces. For example, a user will be able to not only say “Phone”, butwill be able to combine that with “Phone Dave”. A large vocabulary ofshort-cuts will be provided based on frequently requested transactionsof a traveler.

If the presenter is attempting to access the information and servicesstored on or via the OneTouch and there is a match, then the presenterproceeds to the next protocol, if there is a match, the protocol“AA—Voiceprint-IDU” opens with prompt “VoicelDU” and the member respondswith his audio code name, and if there is a 3 way match the screen opensto the various categories and the member retrieves the necessaryinformation from the screen.

Phone Functionality.

The OneTouch may function as a phone, similar to existing cellphone/personal digital assistant (PDA) combination devices and usesexisting software for this function. When calling AA using the OneTouchfor making reservations or other reasons, AA assumes the cardholder'sprofile based on the caller id information indicating the cardholder'sOneTouch number. The OneTouch includes a transceiver such as anintegrated phone for communicating with the central server through awireless communications network, such as a cell phone network. The cardalso provides Internet access similar to existing PDA devices. Thecardholder has the option to access the system web-sites by using thecard's built-in Internet browser. When the cardholder uses the card toaccess the Internet, the card automatically logs the cardholder into thesystem using the member's identification and password, and cross checksthat information with the member's pin number, which are stored in thecard. This can be seen in FIG. 27, 246. When the cardholder uses thecard to make travel reservations, the process is expedited because thecardholder's preferences and payment settings are already stored andready for use.

Data Transfer.

In another embodiment, AirportAmerica OneTouches can communicate andtransfer data to other AirportAmerica OneTouches via infrared. Thisfunction is similar to the technology used in PDAs, using the similarsoftware.

The OneTouch may be placed in a cradle which connects to a computer witha USB port. This type of cradle is similar to the type that PDAs use toshare and transfer data. The chosen handheld operating system and theOneTouch are mutually compatible.

The OneTouch may communicate with the Global Positioning System (GPS).The inclusion of a GPS receiver permits the OneTouch to function as aGPS device. The GPS system tells the OneTouch where the OneTouch islocated. The OneTouch continually polls the AirportAmerica centralserver for email and to inform the server of its coordinates. Thecentral server can then send it appropriate travel notifications, byemail, instant message, beeper, phone or other similar methods based onits location. An extension of the OneTouch GPS positioning is theenabling of pinpointing exact locations of a targeted person or placeabout which the traveler needs to know.

Ringer/Beeper Device.

With the card, a separate device 247 is provided that clips to thecardholder's clothing and notifies the cardholder of a call, voicemail,message, or email as shown in FIG. 28. This ringer/beeper device uses astandard lithium photo battery and communicates with the smart card viaa specific radio frequency. Thus, this ringer/beeper device allows thecardholder to receive notifications even when storing the card in apurse or wallet. This can be seen on FIG. 26, 233, and FIG. 27, 243.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ringer/beeper device is aclip-on device that attaches to a watch or an article of clothing. Inanother embodiment, the ringer/vibrator is also used as a wiredinterface 233 with other systems as shown in FIG. 26. This feature ispossible since the ringing device communicates with the OneTouchwirelessly and can take on different shapes. In yet another embodiment,the ringer/vibrator device will have a built in USB port and powerconnector. The power connector allows the ringing device to rechargeitself and recharge the OneTouch by clipping on to the OneTouch whileplugged in.

The ringing device can also function as a speaker and microphone to makephone calls while the OneTouch is inside a wallet. For secure access tothe telephony features of the ringing device, a fingerprint mechanism ispresent as on the OneTouch. The telephony features of the ringing deviceare used through voice information and voice commands that arecommunicated with the OneTouch wirelessly.

To hide the appearance of the ringer/vibrator device and to make it moreappealing to wear, the device will also be available in the form ofjewelry such as an earring. A watch can be used for the ringer/beeperdevice as well. Because the watch can be directly viewed by the wearer,video conferencing can be relayed from the OneTouch to the watch alongwith the other information being communicated between the two devices.See FIG. 35.

In another embodiment, the piece of jewelry is simulated by theringer/beeper device. The device is a pin, and the face of the Smart pinhas a display feature that is adaptable, changed or altered such thatvarious displays can be transferred from the Internet or from theOneTouch or from other devices to suit the member's preferences. The pinbecomes decorative and can simulate jewelry or other devices.

To help prevent the loss of the ringer/vibrator device or the OneTouch,both devices will ring when they are separated beyond the distancethrough which they can communicate. One embodiment of this featureincludes either radar or ultrasonic sensors and a digital readoutindicating departure distance. The sensors activate an alarm, such as byringing the ringers on the OneTouch and on the ringer device, when theyare separated by more than a preset distance. Both the ringing deviceand the OneTouch continuously poll each other to obtain their status. Inanother embodiment, if the other device does not respond, the pollingdevice rings a specific tone. The OneTouch can be set to not ring insituations when ringing device is not used. Each device may becalibrated to ring when the devices are in excess of the calibrateddistance (FIG. 28). For example, the calibrated arc may be set at 125feet, so that when the card and ringer device are 125 feet apart, theringer device rings in short bursts, a reminder to turn back andretrieve the card.

Compatibility with Other Devices.

The OneTouch can interact with other mobile devices in an intuitive way.It can team up with the cell phone by simply dropping it in a slotbehind the battery of a cell phone which has been retro-fitted with asnap-on-cradle that snaps over the cell phone and flexes back intoplace, firmly grasping the phone in a bear hug. The OneTouch iscompatible with leading OneTouch scanner software systems, codes andmost other data transfer devices. It can be connected to the AA-member'sPC with a cable via OneTouch adapter which crimps down via an alligatorclamp connection over the fitting on the side of the OneTouch. TheOneTouch is a USB plug and play device and recognizes other plug andplay devices.

Wireless Transactions.

The OneTouch has the capability of making payments over the internetwhen connected to a computer and of wirelessly transmitting data whenpresented to the point of sale terminal.

SmartChips.

The OneTouch may accept two specialized chips. These chips segregate,store, and process data managed by the OneTouch. The chips enable theOneTouch to be easily upgraded and replaced by providing chips thatimplement improved procedures, protocols, and technologies and respondto changing conditions. The OneTouch is thus fully adaptable to emergingtechnologies and changing environments by replacing these removablechips.

These chips can be removed from the OneTouch card and used in convertersthat attach to other devices such as cell phones, iCell and otherwireless integrated interactive internet devices. In this way, a popularcell phone can be used as a partial OneTouch.

The SmartChip is the CPU and memory (random-access and non-volatile) ofthe OneTouch. The memory included is sufficient for the operation of thefunctions of the OneTouch. For example, additional memory may berequired to support the valet4u option described below. The SmartChipcontrols all the functions of the OneTouch including encryption. Boththe SmartChip and the second MyData chip can control the OneTouch. Tosolve conflicts between the two chips, a switch is on the OneTouch toswitch between them.

The technology in this area is dynamic and the OneTouch, like AA itself,is dynamic, flexible so as to take advantage of improvements intechnology and other changing conditions. For this reason, the OneTouchis modular and AA, ever vigilant, replaces modules, except in the caseof the sealed waterproof card, in which event the whole card isreplaced. The replacements modules contain the latest upgraded chips orother components as appropriate. As the leading edge of technologyreveals new opportunities to advance the cause of seamless air traveland seamless living, AA sends replacement chips to the AA—member whoremoves the outmoded chip by sliding it out of the slot and sliding thenew chip into the now empty slot. The hallmark of AA is adaptation asneeded to advance the cause of making the travel, airport and lifeexperience for the AA member, aa-Airport member and the general publicever more seamless.

There is a great variety of information that may be stored as part ofthe member's supplementary data that could be referred to as “MyIDs/Password Bank”. Providing an area to store supplementary data thatmay be of great benefit to the busy AA member is that the system willstore a set of user ids and passwords for systems that are not fullyintegrated with the AA system. We refer to this under Table 3 in thearea described as My ID/Password Bank. This handy feature helps themembers who are anticipated to need information regarding a growingnumber of systems with which they interact (bank PIN numbers, Internetmembership site ids, etc.). Now all the member needs to do is to go toMy ID/Password Bank for a view of what has been provided to othersystems. The information of My ID/Password Bank is stored under My DataChip.

In an additional embodiment the OneTouch may include anotherCPU/memory/storage referred to as the MyData chip 222. A switch on theOneTouch is pressed to switch between the SmartChip and the MyData chip.For example, the MyData Chip may be locked and accessed by the memberusing a separate finger for fingerprint authentication, and in additionmay either make a voice command using the voice password, and/or use awritten code that the member has pre-selected and programmed. Formaximum privacy and security protection the MyData chip is not internetready and is not connectable to the internet or networked with the otherchips on the card, but is connected directly to the screen through itsown open connectors. An appropriate fingerprint on the MyData Chipcloses the connection and opens the screen.

The MyData chip will itself authenticate the user as the cardholder toallow access to the MyData chip. The biometric template is stored on themember's MyData chip and the AA member places his finger over theembedded fingerprint on the aa-MyData chip for a match. A separate digitis used for authentication and identification at points of secureaccess. The member presents the appropriate digit at the access controlcheckpoint. A three way comparison is made to determine a match; theembedded fingerprint within the card, the corresponding digit of thepresenter and the member profile on record at the AA-portal. A fourthmatch may be local access control, which may be used for peak security,variation, etc.

In this embodiment, the OneTouch is delivered with the MyData chipembedded in it. It contains a template with pre-defined categories,where personal information may be stored in formatted categories. AA hasinitially identified 13 categories (identified in Table 4 below). As theneed arises, AA adjusts the number of categories accordingly. When themember receives the one touch, the member fills in personal accountnumbers, balances and other confidential bank account data into thiscategory via screen input or telephony. The categories in MyData Chipare listed in table 4. The data that is stored under MyData chip thatare not on the central server are not included as part of the securitygradation levels for the AA member. The member can feel confident thatcertain personal information is exclusively available to him and notstored on the central server.

TABLE 4 Representative Portable Data Chip Data Slots Slot No.Information type 1 Emergency Information 2 Driver's License data 3Password storage or hint to recall password 4 Bank accounts data. 5Critical medication information 6 Blood type 7 Voters registrationinformation 8 Cash card information 9 Credit card and/or debit cardinformation 10 Insurance information 11 Social security number 12 Codesfor car keys, office keys, other important keys. 13 Miscellaneous

When the cash card information of slot 8 as shown in Table 4 is storedthe AA member can use the OneTouch as a cash card via links with worldATM providers such as PLUS, INTERLINK, CIRRUS, STAR, PRESTO, HONORS,etc. By inserting his card into an ATM he can access funds from hisaccount from any banking institution or ATM in the world. Members mayalso elect to add a predetermined amount of money onto his card for usein his/her travel (ie, before going on trip member elects to transfer$1,500 from his personal acct onto his OneTouch and as he uses the cardduring his travel, expenses are automatically deducted from the $1,500placed on the card before departure).

The AA member may elect to put credit card and/or debit card informationin slot 9 of his MyData Chip, the chip is not connected to a modem andthe information stored thereon can only be accessed by the AA cardmember. The member may bring up the stored data by first accessing theOneTouch and displaying the credit card and/or debit card information onthe smart card. Information that may be displayed includes the cardissuer, account number, credit limit, amount outstanding, and otheraccount information.

The AA member may elect to put insurance information in slot 10. Suchinformation may relate to insurance policies such as life, health, auto,homeowners, commercial, etc. The stored data may include insurancepolicy identification, coverage, renewal and other information as wellagent or other contact information.

Slot 13 is user definable to allow the AA member to store other data onthe secure MyData chip. Slot 13 may store data from whatever source themember may elect.

Point of Sale (POS) Transactions.

Purchases may be made by the AA member by powering up the OneTouchthrough voice commands, calling up the credit card and/or debit card ofchoice, approaching the POS terminal and pointing the OneTouch from adistance within six inches of the POS terminal port. The OneTouchincludes a transponder for interacting with the terminal and mayinitiate transactions with the terminal. The data required to completethe transaction is wirelessly beamed to the POS register when sopresented to the POS terminal and the member may ask for a paper copy orhave the receipt for the purchase beamed to the receipts section of theAA Chip or have it scanned into the MyData chip.

The card communicates wirelessly and through direct contact. It makescontact through the card's conductive micro module on the card surfacewith contact points through which data may be transmitted, commands maybe issued, and card status and other information may be updated. As acontactless device, the card has an internal antennae for communicationwith the reader. This internal antennae provides a power source fromelectromagnetic pulses it receives. The card requires close proximity(to within 6 inches) of the reading device to exchange data and recordtransactions.

In addition to providing members with smart cards, the service maintainsan airport employee OneTouch or i-Card system. The employee OneTouchsystem is virtually the same as the system for system members, and theservice requires that all employee OneTouch holders comply with the sameuniform security standards.

Security

Access to the OneTouch is granted after a series of verificationprocedures are performed to insure that person trying to access data isindeed the authorized user. Step one is the placement of a pre-selectedfinger on the fingerprint chip for verification and authentication. Oncethe identification has been verified OneTouch unlocks and grants accessto system features.

The security features include embedded sensing services and biometrics,including, fingerprint detection devices, voice recognition system,and/or encrypted space that can only be accessed through positivefingerprint match.

The one touch can be fitted in a slot on the adapter provided by AA onthe side or back of cell phones or other wireless internet deviceproviding a connection from the OneTouch to cell phone or other deviceor attached via cable to the PC and information can be downloaded fromthe user's internet or PC. The software automatically encrypts anddecrypts files stored on this space and a pin number which may bedeactivated for the AA-Chip with the features listed below

Access to the OneTouch.

The owner of the card can restrict access to the card's information inseveral ways. First, the user may require that the fingerprint scannerobtain a fingerprint matching the owner's fingerprint before the card isactivated. Second, the camera on the top edge of the card is used forfacial or retinal scans. The camera has enough resolution to clearlydistinguish the forty distinguishing facial spots. Finally, one candownload from the central server a member's biometric information.

System Integrity.

To maintain the integrity of the system, the AA system will rejectmembership applications from identified high security risk individuals.The system pre-screens with CAPS using a secret and secured encryptedalgorithm. The system compares the presented documentation of potentialmembers (finger scan, etc.) with a database of known terrorists andsuspected terrorists, which may be obtained from the FBI and othergovernments agencies. The CAPS system selects those who will be divertedfor a more comprehensive security check. The membership screeningpre-clears AA-members who may then be expedited through the securitychecks such as at airports.

AA Application Process.

The method and process of application to membership in AirportAmericainvolves submission of minimum mandatory documentation for use inverifying the identity of the applicant and that the applicant's recordis clean and there are no other conditions adverse to the standards ofAA. The various identification processes include without limitationvarious biometric scans, such as fingerprinting and other tests andscans. The applicant's identification process is used to research lawenforcement and other database for independent verification that theapplicant has no criminal background or other conditions adverse to theminimum mandatory standards, thus creating a comfort level amongst othermembers, passengers, security personnel, etc. This certification by AAenhances the seamless travel experience. The AirportAmerica membershipapplicant fills out a membership application which includes theprospective member's agreement to submit to an FBI and or othergovernmental background check and governmental security clearanceapproval prior to the AA applicant's acceptance as member. This includescontinuous submissions as necessary in order to maintain the clearancenecessary for the privileges associated with the member's selected levelof gradation. At the highest security clearance these privileges includeexpedited security clearance through airport security by usingelectronic scanning and other imbedded features of the one touch. Theone touch operates varies AA functions including the security relatedfunctions. Expiration of the one touch is two year unless lost, stolenor upon notification by AA of earlier expiration.

The process is also used to certify employees at the travel facility.Vendors and vendor's employees may also become AA certified. In thehighest security facilities no access to secure areas is provide with aOneTouch or similar card verifying AA certification. Accordingly, AA mayobtain information and maintain a profile on each travel facility workersimilar to records and profiles regarding traveling members. Theseworker are issued OneTouch or similar card for identification at thetravel facility.

Access Key.

The smart card also functions as an access key to a kiosk. The kiosk isan enclosed desktop computer with a web browser, which points to thesystem homepage. By swiping or sliding the card in the scanner at thekiosk, the member has the option to log in to the system. The webbrowser points to AirportAmerica's homepage. Travelers can slide theirOneTouch in the kiosk to enter the traveler's login information to thewebsite. From a kiosk, a traveler can do anything they normally do onthe AirportAmerica website.

Security Card.

Furthermore, the OneTouch may function as a security card. The serviceonly issues a OneTouch card to a member after performing an extensivesecurity and background check of the applicant. Each OneTouch isassociated with a single individual on whom the system maintainsinformation. The individual's identification information is stored inthe memory of the OneTouch. The OneTouch includes a security screen asshown in FIG. 29. This screen includes a hologram of the member 247, afingerprint of the member 248, indication of the gradation level of themember 249, and textual identification information on the member 250such as the members name and address. Therefore, if security personnelcan verify that a OneTouch cardholder is in fact the owner of the card,then the security personnel will have confidence that the cardholder isa safe and capable traveler in accordance with levels of gradation 249as described earlier. In this manner, the OneTouch can also be used toverify base identification data such as passport or driver's licenseinformation and other documentation data such as ticket information.This information may be displayed on the screen of the OneTouch afterbeing verified by the AA system.

In an example of the OneTouch used a security card, security personnelat a security checkpoint in a travel facility such as an airportchecking a traveler with the highest level of gradation would follow thefollowing procedure. The verification of the identity of the cardholderinvolves a three-step process. First, a the third-party securityemployee checks the hologram animation 247 on the back of the card toverify that the individual looks like the certified cardholder. Thehologram 247 is a five to ten second, or other duration,three-dimensional video animation of the traveler looking forward,profile, then turning completely around and smiling. The third partysecurity personnel can then ask the traveler to make the same motions.Second, the security employee places the card in a system certifiedterminal or card reader, similar to existing card readers. The cardreader connects to a system certified third party computer, executesscans of fingerprint and/or voiceprint, depending on the protocol inplace at that AA airport at that time. The third party computer connectsto the AA system central server using a two-way SSL connection for bothconnections. The OneTouch sends the encrypted id and password to thethird party computer, which then verifies that the OneTouch is in fact agenuine OneTouch issued by the service. As the third step, the terminalincludes a biometric scanner or reader and the third party computersubmits biometric information obtained from the traveler, using systemcertified biometric and other identifying, verifying and authenticatinginformation gathering devices, to the system central server as a web CGIquery to verify the authenticity of the traveler. The system comparesthe submitted biometric information with the certified member'sbiometric information stored in the system. The biometric informationthat may be used to identify an AA traveler may include withoutlimitation, the following embodiments: fingerprints, facial scans, irisscans, and DNA information.

The system comparison may use three-way matching. For example, whenproceeding through a security checkpoint the presenter places theOneTouch on a scanning device and the presenter's fingerprint, irisscan, facial scan, or other identification data is obtained. The systemcompares this data obtained from the presenter with the informationstored on the OneTouch, and the member's identifying information on filewith AA at the AA portal. The card can take on a different host as thecard or chips are placed in other wireless devices (cell phone, PDA,etc.) so long as the minimum three-way match protocol is preserved. Thedetermination of which mix of security checks shall be conducted isconfigurable to preserve the integrity, reliability and member value ofthe AirportAmerica system.

The three way positive security protocol of the present inventionrequires a match of personal identification and authenticationinformation of the OneTouch user-presenter, AA hub, and the OneTouch. Ifthere is a failed match of any part of any of the three match-ups, thematch fails, access is denied and the card flashes code red.

-   -   Presenter—Fingerprints, voiceprints, facial scan other scans,        digital and biometric matches to enhance authentication of the        card presenter as the AA member tests AA Profile at AA Portal;    -   Smart Card—Fingerprints embedded as biometric template,        digitized voiceprints, digitized facial scan and other digitized        and biometric templates imbedded in the OneTouch and    -   AA Profile—Fingerprints embedded as biometric template,        digitized voiceprints, digitized facial scan and other digitized        and biometric templates in the member profile on file with AA at        the AA Portal 1 OneTouch.

From finger-scan chip on OneTouch or AA SmartChip to AA Portal andfollowing receipt of this information there is a three way match of:

-   -   Presenter—Personal positive identification, authentication        (voiceprint, fingerscan, etc.) of Presenter of OneTouch, and    -   OneTouch—OneTouch information on OneTouch of presentor,    -   AA Profile on file at AA Portal—Information in Profile file of        member matching the card being presented at access point and the        information received electronically from the card presenter for        authentication of the card through from information transmitted        via scanner and other devices through the internet and other        means to file the AA member profile on file at AA hub.

At the point of entry the OneTouch can identify the one in possession ofthe card as the rightful owner by making a match between presenter (byuse of biometrics digitized scanners and other situational downloadeddata), scans, pin numbers, trip pin and other authenticationinformation. The system thus identifies the AA member with accuracy,while detaining the AA member no more than a few seconds. The process ofpositive identification of a presenter of a OneTouch as a certified AAmember is completed with speed and accuracy. The presenter as a memberof AA in good standing is quickly cleared to proceed through thesecurity checkpoint.

Local authority match—A local authority match may be added in additionto the above three-way match. This protocol involves the same proceduresas the three-way match described in the preceding paragraph with theadditional participation of the local security attendant and orautomated computer system. The security personnel have local scanners,fingerprint devices and proceeds makes a physical comparison between theholographic image on the card presented and the facial and otherfeatures of the presenter.

Hand Scan.

The OneTouch provides additional security features while traveling. Theiris scan, retinal scan, photo scan and profile details revealed by thebar code are on record at the AA headquarters with the central server.When a passenger in possession of a OneTouch goes through airportsecurity the OneTouch is placed on the scanning device by the member atthe valet or the ticket counter, again at the entry point to concourse,and again at the gate. This presentation is accomplished by placing thecard on the glass of a mechanical device that resembles and is operatedlike a credit card and/or debit card device. As the member places thecard on the glass face down, the passenger places an index finger on theglass of a fingerprint analysis scan device and submits to a 2-6 secondphoto/video scan. The handprint and photo are digitally compared to thephoto and fingerprint on the card. The card scan is intended to checkidentification of the user against the information on file in the AAcentral database and the information stored in the OneTouch. Of allthree matched are made then the card activates the opening of adouble-door entry gate. If any of the card identification featuresdiffer from each other or the information on file in the AA database,the computer automatically rejects the card and the entry gate toconcourse of gate does not open. For example, upon successful matchingof card identification with information on file in the AA database bysecurity systems, if the photo is altered on the card, when the card isplaced on the identification scanning device it scans the photo andproduces a digitized facial contour scan of the user. The resultant scanis compared to facial contour of user and uploaded to the AA centralserver and compared with photo information on file. If any of the threematches fail, the AA central server transmits a no match signal to thesecurity station and a code red flashes on screen of the securitycheckpoint and an alarm is activated. The double gates remain closed.Self contained embedded fingerprint verification module in the OneTouchis compared with the user's finger scan which is simultaneouslyelectronically submitted to the FBI or other appropriate federal agency.The facial recognition and retina-iris scans use a video camera toidentify the card user, who is asked to face the camera. There must be amatch of all three systems. The user scans must match prints andprofiles stored on the OneTouch, the profile on file in the AA centraldatabase and simultaneously the information maintained with the FBI orother governmental agency.

Use of Deactivated Card.

The OneTouch also contains a built in chip that can deactivate the cardor transmit message via automatic e-mail when swiped through the cardswipe device. The swipe of the invalid card automatically transmits asignal to the AA central server, triggering a code red. Upon thistrigger an AA agent notifies security agent at the facility where thecard was swiped (such as at an airport concourse security checkpoint)and authorities the detention of the holder of the OneTouch. Thenotification, for example, includes a message alarm informing thesecurity agent “hold for interrogation and call this number.” The properlaw enforcement offices such as the Federal Marshall or Office ofHomeland Security may also be notified. The AA system also causes theupper left hand corner of the card to flashes red. This can be seen onFIG. 26, 235.

If the card is rejected for non-payment of AA fees or other non-coderejection criteria, then “technical difficulties” or “member card istemporarily invalid, please manual check” message is flashed acrossscreen, with no code red and card fails to open gate.

Tracing.

The OneTouch has two independent imbedded customer identificationnumbers from independent locations unconnected with each other withfirewalls that prevent tracing. Each pin # is matched by scanner withthe pin # on file at these separate locations. If one location iscompromised, the other location still must be located and compromisedfor a fraud or forgery to occur. The prospective member is run throughFBI and Interpol and local police checks for all locations the user haslived for last 5 years prior to filing of the application.

Perimeter Security.

The AA system may also be used to provide perimeter security at travelfacilities such as airports. The system sets up remote monitoring fordesignated airport and governmental personnel of all check points, allsecure entry points, and the tarmac area. The AA system may monitor allthose who have business at the airport, by monitoring perimeter controlpoints through which all those entering the airport must pass. Anexemplary perimeter control point is shown in FIG. 36. All those whodrive through an airport entrance 900 are routed to an auto-scan donut903. Different paths may be provided based on preliminary securitysorting. For example, a route 901 is provided for AA members and route902 is provided for non-members. The auto-scan donut 903 is a donutshaped scan ring equipped with sensors such as circular shaped radar andexplosive detection scanners. The auto-scan donut checks for explosivesand weapons including nuclear, chemical, biological weapons. Allvehicles proceeding through to terminal area must pass through theauto-scan donut 903. The auto-scan donut 903 analyzes cross-sectionimages and comparing their CT properties with known explosives, weapons,weapon profiles, bomb components and other objects rejected by theautomatic inspections algorithms. The remote attendant in securitystation 904 activates and deactivates gate and security operated tirepoppers 905 as necessary. Those passing through auto-scan donut 903 maybe routed based on AA criteria. For example, different routes 906 and907 may be provided to the airport terminal 908 based on directionsgiven at auto-scan donut 903. Security is provided in concentric rings,each successive ring providing tighter security. The highest securityprotocols are present at the gate and, in the case of employees andvendors, at the ramp and tarmac/runway areas.

Blue Light Emergency Wireless Phones are in blue boxes and illuminatedby a blue light on top of the box are used along the perimeter of AAsecured facilities. They are located every 750 feet along the perimeterof the airport and other strategic airport locations. To operate, thecall box door is opened and the receiver is simply picked up, itautomatically and immediately connects to security through a maincontrol room dispatcher who is required to pick up a loudly ringingphone before the end of the first series of loud rapid rings. The callis monitored by other appropriate law enforcement agencies. The bluelight phone notifies the AA hub. If not picked up locally at apredetermined number of rings, the phone switches to audio-visualthrough a webcam. AA then activates phone alert systems that notifylocal authorities, including the airport security and policedepartments.

Security and police Cruisers and other airport personnel in the sectorof blue phone call are automatically notified by alarm signals in theirphone emitted from the blue phone. Personnel arriving at the scene ofblue phone alarm deactivate alarm by flipping the hidden alarm switch.

An AA-Pulsed infrared Perimeter intruder detection System is integratedinto the communications and airport intranet. The AA-Pulse Infra-RedPerimeter System using infrared beams with range of approximately 1000to 1500 feet with a self diagnostic system, for parts malfunction, todistinguish difference between animals and birds and other environmentalrisks and other false alarms from intruders. Cast aluminum detectionboxes and fence assemblies include sensor equipment and may be easilymounted on existing poles or new poles in the fenced or unfencedperimeter. Sensor systems are monitored from the control room and systeminformation is displayed on a graphic map. Transmission is from the polemounted wireless transceiver to the control room. Transmission may alsobe to mobile tracking maps in palms, cell phones and other hand heldwireless devices. The control room enunciator panel or monitor andmobile security personnel respond when a green light at a specificstation on the display graphic map is replaced by a red flashing lightindicating that some non-environmental intrusion has breached theperimeter at that point. At point of intrusion tungsten or sodium vaporlights go on and adjacent red flashing bubble lamp begins to rotate. Inthe control room an alarm goes off. Includes tamper proof and batterypack back up. The alarm is interfaced with sector patrol unit wirelesscommunication devices to electronically notify those personnel in thesector of the breach.

A non-lethal Electrified Perimeter System, comprising a single strand ormore are interwoven in the existing fence, is also present at theperimeter. The electrical current is turned off but is self-activating.The electrified system, detects, deters, defends and denies access.

XML Interfacing.

The central server uses a secure XML browser interface as well as othermechanisms to provide interfacing to disparate systems. The CentralServer of AirportAmerica can interface with any system that provides anXML interface by utilizing one of several XML-translate products (suchas those provided by Reference Pass Consulting or Hubx). These productsenable any system to interface with any other system based on a commonset of functions specifically geared for the travel industry and basedon the Open Travel Alliance where possible. These interface productsenable the AA system to interface to airline, GDS, and other travelprovider systems if their systems provide a structured XML set oftransactions, EDIFACT messages or even non-structured host based systemswhere screen-scraping is the only option.

Trip PIN.

Each reservation has a unique AA Trip PIN # which codifies reservation,identification, etc. Each trip is provided a “trip pin number” which isan encoded e-ticket stored within the OneTouch as an encrypted hologramand as a temporary icon on the face of the OneTouch as identification.The trip pin number is only valid for the trip to the destination. Thereturn trip requires a new trip pin number.

Data about Passenger Travel Habits

A byproduct of the AA system will be the collection of data related topassenger travel habits. This data can be useful to the member airportsand airlines as well as other travel providers for planning purposes orto the airlines, travel providers and travel agencies to gain greaterunderstanding of ways to improve the passenger experience. The data willbe available in an XML type interface record to enable transferring andmerging to existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or datawarehouse applications. Each data element that can be collected will bescrutinized in terms of privacy so that there is assurance that dataclearly considered personal will not be directly available for use butcan indirectly be used. For example, the interface record could bedefined to not transfer passport number data but could transfer age datato provide demographic information. Additional details of this arepresented under Table 3, above.

Travel Information

In order to provide system members with the most current travelinformation, the system has an intranet component. Airport employees oremployees of other approved travel facilities (such as ports) use theIntranet to inform the system about situations that affect travelers. Asystem member Intranet user who has received security access to theIntranet can record information about any situation that would change oralter a traveler's plans. When an airport employee records suchinformation, the system notifies the traveler of the relevantinformation. In addition, based on the set of stored contacts within thetraveler's individual smart card OneTouch, the others to be notifiedwill be notified with reliable messaging, The Intranet is accessible tothose with security clearance via the system website or a system smartcard.

Furthermore, the Intranet provides airport employees, security personneland other authorized users explanations of the rights and privileges ofsystem members and security standards for dealing with system members.Because the system also administers the airport employee smart cardsystem, airport personnel are comfortable dealing with the procedures ofthe system. These procedures may also be standardized at airports thatintegrate the system into their security practices. Accordingly, themember thus may experience a user-friendlier environment throughmultiple facilities.

The following list provides a set of some of the intranet links thatwill be available within the Intranet to support Back of House/AirportInfrastructure processes:

-   -   Control Room (Communication, Surveillance, Security)    -   Communication and Technology    -   Security    -   Administration    -   Multi Modal Link/Coordination

Infrastructure Communication (E-mail, Voice, Web Page, Wireless Links,Closed Circuit, T.V., Video Conferencine)

-   -   Planning    -   Development    -   Construction    -   Concession Management    -   Risk Management    -   Air Traffic Management [Air, Ground, Concourse, Gates]    -   Air Traffic Control and Air Traffic Services    -   Passenger Facilities    -   Passenger Relations

Management [Information, Director's Office]

-   -   Control Transport    -   Maintenance/Waste Management    -   Environmental Resource Management, Noise Control    -   Aircraft and Cargo Handling    -   Ground Facilities    -   Gate Control    -   Tower    -   Charter and Fuel, Out Parcel Control, Real Estate    -   Parking    -   Human Resources    -   Legal    -   Community Relations    -   Stakeholders    -   Ombudsman

When the member makes last minute travel plans, the member has theoption of printing out an e-ticket at a system kiosk, which are locatedthroughout the airport.

Baggage Checking and Tracking

The OneTouch identifies a passenger as a safe and capable traveler.Beyond that, there is a more in-depth process focused on the baggagesystem at the airport facility. Referring to FIG. 30, at the point of idof the member, all checked baggage of member is scanned (step 402) andticketed or e-ticketed with an infra-red transfer of baggage claimticket information to the OneTouch as e-stubs (step 403). A number andsequence are put on the bag (step 405). The system provides a positiveid of member bags in the hold by number and sequence; this record isconfirmed by a positive id of member claim stubs of passengers seated inthe aircraft. This confirmation may be obtained visually or by a PDAscanning device (step 412).

The e-manifest is a quick and easy way for obtaining a complete recordof passengers and passenger documents at check in. These records includedigital photos of the visual contents of each bag and digital photo ofpassengers. Officials can access this information from web-browsersanywhere in the world (step 410). Bags are sealed with bar coded tapeand tagged with a tag emitting a Radio Frequency (RF) signal that tracksthe bag (step 404). The RF frequency is broadcast over a certainadjustable distance. The tag transmits a small part of this energy backto antennae. The radio wave is unique to that baggage tag and is itsunique id code. The reader also transmits to the hub (step 409).Attendants with scanners on the aircraft can be e-mailed or transmittedthis info, including the seat assignment of a bag owner, if a problemarises or if a misplaced bag is reported (step 411). Thus, theattendants may make a positive id of seat and match the photo of theperson from e-manifest with the bag taken at baggage check.

AA member bags are marked with member bar code and member trip pin, goodonly for the duration of the trip from home port to destination or thepre-determined programmed life span of that encrypted trip pin(number),whichever is earlier. This trip pin number is the member's confirmationnumber.

AAcart.

To expedite the security clearance of the member at the airport, thesystem uses a portable AAcart that is equipped with a system smart cardreader and with devices for scanning baggage. The AAcart bottom, wherecarry-on baggage is placed, may be adjustable for shifts in maximumsized carry-on baggage. Baggage is placed in the cart; if the bag doesnot fit in the adjustable bottom, then the bag is too large to qualifyas carry-on. The carryon items are sized within the bottom of the AAcartto check for conformance with carry-on maximum regulations andstandards. Carry on is then scanned with x-ray, explosive, chemical,chemical, biological scanning devices attached to the AAcart. An airportemployee or designated security personnel use the portable AAcart at thegate for the final, expedited processing of AA Certified members justprior to boarding. The AAcart contains portable digital scanning devicesfor biometric, digital, iris, retina, voice and other identification andauthorization information embedded within the OneTouch and are wired andwirelessly connected to the AA central server for a four-way matchbetween the visual, of the presenter, embedded within the card of thepresenter, the local information and the central server. The AAcart isportable and is typically used at the gate as the last securitycheckpoint just prior to boarding. The airport has the option of usingthe system portable AAcart to assist in expediting checking non-membertravelers during high-traffic times.

Another component of the AAcart reads and authenticates a travel or IDdocument in seconds. It analyzes the document using various kinds oflight, verifying identification watermarks and logos, inks, examineslaminates for signs of tampering, compares photos on card with photos onvarious law enforcement and other watch lists. The AAcart devices readbar codes, magstripes, fingerprints, signatures, etc. The AAcart isperiodically updated by governmental or other investigative audit of AAprocedures and AA Certified traveler membership list. Consequently themember security check at the gate is fast and the member line movesfast. The AAcart may be integrated into existing security devices andsystems at the airport or other facility and is modular for ease ofmaintenance and for ease of adding new and easily remove obsoleteauthentication, identification and authorization devices.

Passenger Ticketing and Processing

AA Certified traveler members of a certain level or gradation arepre-cleared and thus experience an accelerated and less intrusiveprocessing. The AA certified members can pass through a Priority Lane,as they are pre-cleared through security by virtue of AA profile. Thehigher the gradation level, the more accelerated will be the passenger'sprocessing. Let's provide an example of an AA member being driven to theairport. The AA member's experience begins with an expedited movementthrough the Perimeter Security System (FIG. 36, 901). With the highergradation level, the AA member passes a positive (bio-metric)identification and carry-on bag check and therefore can pass throughthe, “Green Lane”/AKA “Priority Lane”. The AA member will find expeditedprocessing starting with the airport inbound road, curbside, terminal,concourse to gate and through to the boarding process.

Expedited Processing.

If a member is in a hurry, the member can elect Expedite-expeditedprocessing through security and ticketing. This process, called“Expedite,” requires a qualified airport employee to meet the member ata point on the airport perimeter, such as at a valet. The employeeperforms the necessary security searches, such as scanning the memberwith a hand wand, and then checks the member's identity such as bytaking an iris profile with a scanner built into the hand wand. Theemployee then electronically transmits the information obtained by thescan to the security systems at the airport and to the system. Theemployee then escorts the member around the lines in the airport andthrough a security bypass. Next, the employee places the member'sbaggage in a waiting system portable cart (as described above). The cartscans the baggage and the member is ready to board. Once the memberpassenger and his luggage are cleared at the gate, the passenger is notpermitted to leave the secured gate until boarding; otherwise, thepassenger must go through the normal, non-expedited security check.

Members have standard system clearance. To elect the Expedite option,members may be required to comply with standard 6, dark green, of thegradation levels, or possibly submit additional identificationinformation, such as a DNA sample, and to pay additional fees, whichreflect the additional cost to the government, the airport, and theservice of providing expedited processing.

Parking

For reserved parking in the building, AA e-mails to the member thelocation of the reserved parking spot, for example, “North daily 3^(rd)level, any of spaces 45-56.”

Through use of AA's Cartracker, a member can scroll thru a parkinggarage map displayed by AA on a monitor, permitting the member to palm,iCell 22 or cell phone 17 mark the location in the parking building.Upon return to a home city, and while going to the parking garage, amember can just scroll through maps of parking structures to locate ablinking light on iCell parking garage map indicating the location ofcar. In one embodiment, an infrared beam crosses reserved parkingspaces. The beam is released by the member inserting their AA pin numberin a key pad on adjacent stanchion, otherwise interruption of the beamsets off the alarm. Release of the beam is sent to an affiliate'scomputer in the garage, and sent on to AA local web parking page. Whenthe member slides the member's I-card/OneTouch in the pad whichtransmits his trip number and Certified AA member number the beambecomes disengaged and such action notifies the parking garage computerthat the space reserved for the member is occupied by someone else. If anonmember drives a car in the space the interrupted beam sets off analarm.

Trip Planner

The member may know the exact airport that he wants to go but may alsojust supply the address of the ultimate destination where he wants to goand the origin point. The system provides an additionallogistical-planning capability similar but more comprehensive than thesort of functionality provided by a system such as mapquest in that thesystem considers the best way to navigate the member to the desireddestination. The Personal Trip Planner is referenced in FIG. 31. Byknowing that the member wants to get to a specific hotel in KeyBiscayne, Florida, 502, from an address in mid-town Manhattan, N.Y.,501, and that the member does not generally drive and park at theairport (based on preferences stored in the profile, 504,), the systemwill utilize the GPS navigation, 503, as well as its understanding ofthe various modes of transportation in the AA Central Database, 505, tointerpret the need and convert that to a suggested trip plan. “From theshortest route perspective (other perspectives may be added later suchas inclusion of the member's priority for a higher gradation levelairport), suggest LaGuardia Airport in New York (LGA) and fly to Miami(MIA) which is the closest airport to Key Biscayne. A taxi will bewaiting for you. Expect to pay $25 which is the standard airport farefrom Miami Airport to Key Biscayne”, as shown in 508 of FIG. 31. Thisrecommendation is available in text as well as by voice by audio/visualinteraction.

Airportvalet4u.com

In addition to the capability for a member to interact with the OneTouchand all the access points to the AirportAmerica central server, themember may opt to utilize his Airportvalet4u.com (aka valet4u). TheValet4u is a computer generated intelligent interactive personal digitalassistant, as shown in FIG. 32.

The member may elect to not have a valet4u, or may elect to have anaudio-only valet4u or may elect a complete computer animated digitalartificially intelligent valet4u. The AA member begins by creating apersonal valet, 600 of FIG. 32.

Prior to construction, the member may give facial and body preferencesor select from a library of images in the AA central database, 601, orprovide a set of images of a familiar person whose image the memberwishes to use as his or her personal valet, 603. Then constructionbegins of the artificially intelligent valet4u with natural languageinteractive voice feature and creation of a visual digital image, 600.The digital image involves selecting a valet4u from the many animatedcharacters presented or assembling from various computer generatedcomponents including selections of eyes, mouth, chin, forehead, cheeks,bust, torso, arms, legs, etc. and form the digital person with uniquefeatures, with assembly as directed by the member. Audio visual syncbetween the computer animated head selected, face selected, mouthselected and voice selection is achieved through a custom program thatsynchronizes visual and voice. The construction of the computer animatedvalet4u is by the member with the aid and assistance of an AA employee.The valet can also be a realistic re-creation of someone selected eitherliving or dead by sending to AA three photographs, front view and bothprofiles as shown in 603.

The valet4u understands thousands of commands that valet4u has learnedfrom amongst thousands of vocabulary words and phrases assembledcorresponding to the various anticipated travel related andconversational commands and the user or member may elect to create anadditional database inputting prompts that personalize the valet4u. Thedatabase of personal valet information as well as the voice commandsthat are available for use are stored in the AA central database, asreflected in 605 of FIG. 32.

The present invention is described herein mainly in association with airtravel, including preflight and post flight travel airline travel.However, the invention is not meant to be so limited, and is equallyapplicable in association with other forms of transportationincorporating the full range of travel options, including multiple otherforms of transportation including without limitation, rail travel, shiptravel, limousine travel, bus travel. With a database of the member'spreferences, places that he wishes to travel, distance and timeconsiderations, origination point and modes of transportation that areavailable, when prompted, the valet4u suggests alternatives to thetraveler from the database built from standard templates provided by AA,the database of preferences and travel patterns downloaded from memberuser profile and data input from the member user. Suppose, for example,that the traveler's flight from New York to Washington, D.C. wascancelled. In addition to considering other flights, if the traveler hassufficient time, trains or shuttle services may also be offered asoptions for consideration.

Charter Reservation System

Referring to FIG. 33, at step 701, members will be given charterinformation along with their flight information when scheduling travel.Member users electing the charter option notify AA through the pluralityof devices referenced herein. Upon notification, the trip pin of thepassenger is reassigned to the charter operator. When member userschoose to travel along the same route at or about the same time, 702,the invention sorts and matches the subset of those travelers who areboth members and traveling the same route and electronically notifiesthat subset (706), of the charter availability, rate, charter websitesfor information, location of the charter facilities and van pick uplocation to ferry passengers to charter fixed base operation orterminal, if not at the gate of the AA terminal, departure information(step 713 and 715) provided the charter minimum threshold is met, andreal time schedule of rates as the number of charter passengers varies.The foregoing and other charter information including withoutlimitation, weather en route and at the flight destination are posted onthe charter box on the AA website and in a more limited format onairport terminal monitors. Members may elect to post an amountrepresenting a ceiling that that member user is willing to pay for theleg of the member's travel itinerary through the use of the trip pin,affording anonymity to the member user, 705. The Charter operator maythen elect to fly the passengers at a reduced rate if the ceiling of thetotality of the subset electing fractional charter rate of potentialpassengers is less than the AA charter operator's published charter rate(step 715). In either situation, the member is required to agree to payfor the amount in full if a chartered jet is made available at theparticular price point.

AA will have Ezaircharter who are AA certified air charter providers onstandby at all AA-certified airports. AA will have advanced, real-timeknowledge of the commercial inbound aircraft delay through its airportintranet and through that via computer notification of the delay at theairport of origination of the flight (steps 714 and 716). Thisinformation once confirmed is transmitted through to AA member OneTouchvia beeper activation of blinking red light on iCell/OneTouch (FIG. 27,243, and FIG. 28, 247) and activation of the ringer on the ringer-beeperpin, PDA, Cell phone, etc., and at the charter office and via AA vendoriCell or OneTouch (FIG. 27, 243) If sufficient numbers respond to makecharter from the AA certified charter service within the range of firstclass ticket or member specified and charter published price, thecharter is activated for immediate departure (step 515).

Groups can charter a jet from an AA certified charter service throughAA's reservation system (steps 701 and 709 of FIG. 33). Chartering aplane is similar to booking a commercial flight reservation. Instead ofpricing being based on the number of travelers and the class of travel,pricing is based on origin and destination according to the AA certifiedcharter company.

Providing group space (FIG. 33, 709) is another dimension of the AAmembership concept. The group space view considers members as a party ofmultiple individuals. When a party wants to travel, they will be gainaccess to the AA EZ air charter web site of potential charter seatsavailable, aircraft, etc. or could be made available for the specificdate range that the party wishes to travel (FIG. 33 as well as FIG. 34).The main differences between the AA view of potential charter carriersand other charter space options are as follows:

-   -   The AA membership ensures a greater sense of evaluation by        utilizing the gradation concept described elsewhere. The        grades/levels that are assigned to the charter operators are        based on more rigorous criteria and provide a level of comfort        to the groups that these charter operators are safe, reliable,        and have a reputation worthy of AA accreditation.    -   The AA membership ensures a greater access to the charter        operators by greatly promoting the service.    -   The AA membership can now be extended to traditional        consolidators and companies who need blocks of space for certain        destinations and dates. Cruise lines and major tour operators        can become AA affiliates to gain additional access to air space        for their passengers/guests.

Valet and Other Services

The member can have rent-a-car pickup and return at an AA affiliatevalet stand. The valet will have a car ready at a destination airportvalet stand when the AA member deplanes in a destination city. The valetgives the member an AA stub. At the end of the trip the AA member mayopt to leave the rent a car at the valet stand airportvalet4u.com. AllAA affiliated Airport hotels and suites must provide pickup and returnof AA member and luggage.

AirportAmerica will maintain a database of its membership and will sharedata in a manner that does not compromise privacy related to increasedor decreased membership with the appropriate airport parking facilities.The data that will be sent will be in terms of numbers of passengers whoare possibly going to need parking so that assistance is provided toforecast number of spaces to reserve.

An AA member is also eligible for lottery and AA points toward“freeairtx.com” and “giveutx.com”, and can collect visa miles for AAaffiliate purchases in addition to the discounts.

A courier delivery service can be used by a member to retrieve neededmerchandise from local stores for delivery to a hotel or airport(subcontractors/affiliate)

A member can order a personal valet to directly pick up baggage, anddrive the member to an airport from a car rental, cruise, hotel, andassist with check in. Valet service is also available to a member forcourier delivery if desired.

As previously indicated, a member can connect to AA semi-officialwebsites of the world's major airports (which are AA owned andcontrolled domains). AA owns at least one and usually several of themost common domain names of the fifty or more busiest airports in theworld, each of which is cross-linked so that reference to any portion ofan airport name by an AA member will lead to the web site and to an AAportal through metatags. AirportAmerica is the portal to domestic andoverseas AA owned websites

Members are provided discounts via AA bids to affiliates who providerent-a-car, hotels, apartments, temporary office suites, restaurants,travel packages thru AA owned websites such as rent4cents.com,ezairportoffice.com, cheapairportoffice.com

AA provides Airport Facilities and Operations Information to members viapull-down menus or choice communication for the following (this list maybe expanded for airports and additional travel provider facilities suchas cruise terminals/ports):

-   -   A. Flights    -   B. Parking    -   C. Airport Schedules and Guides    -   D. Travel Planner    -   Pull ↓ Down    -   Flight Schedules    -   Maps    -   Visitors Guides    -   E. Airport Guides    -   Airline Guide    -   Terminal Guide    -   Parking Guide    -   Transportation Guide    -   F. Air-Charter Services    -   G. Security    -   H. Lost and Found    -   I. Cargo    -   J. Capital Development    -   K. Businesses and Business Opportunities    -   L. Ground Transportation    -   M. Lodging    -   N. Airline lounges    -   O. Conference Center    -   P. Financial Services—AA sponsored ATM, cash advances on credit        cards, travelers checks, money orders, foreign currency        exchanges, ATM    -   Q. Locker Rental    -   R. Parking    -   S. Post Office    -   T. Visitor Info    -   U. Information translated into passenger's choice of 7 languages    -   V. Bank    -   W. Mall

Standardization

A unique function provided by the AA system is STANDARDIZATION—acomplete range of services available in each member airport set out inthe AA web site credited to that airport, are linked like spokes of awagon wheel to the AA hub/portal. The AA portal is the brains. Theoperations center (OP. Center) is the clearinghouse. The AA OP centercontinuously updates all information of member airport websites, andmaintains and continuously improves the website for the benefit of theairport. When a member logs on to the site the airport gets primarybilling at a fraction of the cost of attempting to maintain such a siteitself. All services listed are available at all AA airports. Theservices are accessed in an easy, familiar and consistent manner foreach member airport through its AA website. The AA traveling member maythus seamlessly retrieve all the information he needs throughstandardized websites. This model is followed for other types of travelfacilities as well. For example, all car rental agency web sites arestandardized for ease of use, familiarity and consistency.

Queries are instantly transmitted to the AA OP Center via interactivecomputer-Kiosks 11 at the intersections of concourses, and gates andother strategic high traffic areas of the terminal. For example, assumea 1-800-400-1024 connection to AA for cell phone users for Ft Lauderdale(FLT), weather, and other information, reservation, ticketing. Any otherareas can be simultaneously connected. Thru affiliate relationships withcompanies in the cutting edge of wireless technology, I iCell and cellphone access will become the Internet access for mobile links to aa, andall information a member requires while on the run. AA stores theinformation accessed thru pin numbers or cookies. Printouts ofjustntimeticketing.com can be obtained by downloading to the 3″×3″wireless printer which can be clipped to the waist or printed while inbriefcase, at AA interactive remote-Kiosks 11 located at theintersection of each concourse and terminal and/or out in concourse orlocal airport information center.

FIGS. 3 through 17 show examples of pull-down menus available to amember for obtaining desired travel information, and makingreservations. Other pull-down menus can be configured for expanding theusefulness of the system.

Illustration

An example of an AirportAmerica (aa) member utilizing the present systemto make his/her airport, flight and travel experience easier, faster,cheaper and friendlier, will now be given. It is the inventor'sunderstanding that the following combination of unique and non-obviousfeatures provide what no other airport site is currently offering. AAowns at least one .com domain name of every major (top 50) airport inthe world and of the largest five or ten AA owns several. For example,Atlanta: Atlantahartsfield.com, atlantainternationalairport.com,atlintlairport.com, Hartsfieldatlantainternationalairport.com,atlhartsfieldairport.com, atlinternationalairport.com,atlhartsfieldintlairport.com, atlintairport.com are all separate AAowned domain names. They will be separate—web sites, all linked, and allleading to the AA portal. The links are the spokes to the hub, AA is thehub. Each Atl web site or any combination of words for that airportthrough meta-tags, etc. will lead to the standardized Atl website, andthen to the AA portal.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described above,they are not meant to be limiting. For example, those of skill in theart may recognize certain modifications to these embodiments, whichmodifications are meant to be covered by the spirit, and scope of theappended claims. Such a modification, for example, may be to expand thepresent method and system, or convert it, to include railroadscheduling, bus scheduling, ship scheduling, and so forth.

MyData Secure Mobile Device

The following describes an embodiment comprising aspects of theOneTouch, the Secure MyData Chip, and other features disclosed above ina communication device that allows access to secure data stored on aplatform isolated from network connections. In an embodiment, the deviceis a smartphone. The device may be powered by one or more batteries.

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a secure mobile device. Inparticular, embodiments are a device with an encrypted chip (forexample, SMD, MD, etc.) and associated processor with no networkconnectivity. Authorized users may toggle between normal networkplatform functionality and the secure platform. User interfaces can beoperated by the network platform or the secure platform with controldetermined by various security measure, for example, one or morefingerprint sensors operating a switch control. The device may also havea physical security switch that prevents unauthorized removal of asecure memory storage device, which can only be accesses digitally bythe secure platform.

In an embodiment, the device may have a Main Platform, which includes anapplication processor and optionally includes the following componentsshown for example in FIG. 37: 911. —Micro SD Control; 912. —Micro SDSlot; 913. —Micro SD Chip; 914. —Micro USB Host Controller; 915. —MicroUSB Slot; 916. —Bluetooth Module; 917. —Camera Control; 918. —RingerBeeper component; 919. —Audio Controller; 920. —Flash; 921. —Battery;922. —Battery Charger; 923. —Power Management; 924. —Fingerprint Sensor;925. —Flash memory; 926. —SD RAM; 927. —Solar Charge Control; 928.—C.P.U. Processor; 929. —SD RAM; 930. —Cellular RF Subsystem; 931. —WifiBT; 932. —Solar Film; 933. —Volume Control Toggle Switch Up; 934.—Volume Control Toggle Switch Down; and 977. —Fingerprint Main.

The device may also have a Secure MyData Application Platform, whichincludes an application processor and optionally include the followingcomponents for shown, for example, in FIG. 37: 958. —FaradayCage/Shield; 959. —SD Ram; 960. —Flash memory; 961. —Audio Controller;962. —Solar Voltage Regulator (Solar Charge Control); 963. —Solar Film;964. —Camera Control; 965. —Switch Control Logic; 966. —FingerprintSensor; 967. —Audio component; 968. —Micro SD Control; 969. —Power Mgmt;970. —Micro SD Slot; 971. —Micro SD Chip; 972. —Micro SD coiled Springs;973. —Pin Latch Micro SD; 974. —Micro SD Slide Lock; 975.—Facial/Cranial Scanner-Identifier; 976. —Fingerprint MyData; 978.—Battery; 979. —Battery Charger.

The device may also have additional components that may be operativelyconnected to either the Main Platform or the Secure MyData Platform,including as shown, for example, in FIG. 37: 909. —Shell; 910. —Display;940. —Retina/Iris Scanner Camera; 941. —Ear Speaker; 942. Display TouchScreen; 935. —Camera on left; 936. —Camera on center; 937. —Camera onright. The Retina/Iris Scanning Camera 940 may be Camera 937 or may be aseparate camera. The device may also include an LED indicator light 938,which could display various colors to indicate whether the device is onor off, or whether the Main Platform or Secure Platform is operating.The light may indicate other information, for example, whether the userhas an email as well. The light may also operate as a flash for a cameraor emit various spectra of light including infrared light. The rear ofthe device may also feature an LED light 998 capable of emitting variousspectra of light at varying intensities, a sensor or scanner 997, and acamera 996.

The device may include toggle switches to provide operative connectivitybetween various interface, data capture, input, or output components.Those toggle switch may be linked to operate in unison, tandem, orsequence as required by the user. For example, In FIG. 37, theconnection line 943 from the Display Touch Screen 942 runs to ToggleSwitch 946, which provides connectivity to either the Main Platform orthe Secure MyData Platform via connection 944 or 945, respectively. Asanother example. Toggle Switch 947 provides similar selectiveconnectivity to the charging mechanism. The Retina/Iris Scanning Cameracan also be operatively connected to either the main platform or theMyData platform via a switch as shown in FIG. 52.

The device may also include a retractable charging cord as shown, forexample, in FIG. 37, including: 980. —Retraction Wheel; 981. —ACExtension Cord (110V) * ; 982. —Extension Springs left; 983. —ExtensionSprings Right; 984. —Extension Springs Housing; 985. —AC Male Plug; 986.—Sliding Door; 987. —Magnetic secure closed door; 988. —Magnetic secureopen door.

In an embodiment of the invention a Main Platform, which runs thegeneral purpose operating system (for example, iOS or Android) andconnects to the internet or other communications networks by variousnetwork adapters. The Main Platform has a Main Processor A. The MainPlatform may connect via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Host Controller914 to a USB port 915. Main Platform can be any mobile communicationplatform, with components for external access, that is, externallyaccessible by mobile communications networks that may be connected ordisconnected at any time. The Audio Controller 919 or audio interfacecomponent may include audio playback and recording components and mayoperate in conjunction with the camera controller to record videos withsound, for example.

In an embodiment, the device would also have a Secure Platform thatlacks network connectivity. The Secure Platform would accesses a memorychip 971 (for example, a Secure Digital (SD) card or microSD card) thatmay be held in a memory slot 970. The Secure Platform may have internalmemory components which may be accessed and modified by an authorizeduser through various user interfaces. Internal memory may also beaccessed by physical connection to upload or download data once theSecure Platform is activated by an authorized user. The Secure Platformmay be surrounded by a Faraday Cage 958 comprised of polyester-aluminum,cobalt, nickel, or other suitable material, significantly blockingelectromagnetic radiation emitted by or incident to the Secure Platform.The coverage of a faraday cage in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention is shown in FIG. 49 as a lattice obscuring the component ofthe Secure Platform. The Secure Platform has a Secure processor, whichhas no network connectivity. The Secure Audio Interface 967 may includethe same functionality as Audio 919 but is accessible only to theprocessor on the Secure MyData Platform. The Micro SD Port 970 mayaccommodate SD cards, microSD cards, or other data-storage formats. TheMicro SD Port 970 provides a data path through which the user can loaddata to or from the Secure Platform.

In an embodiment, the device would incorporate physical securitymeasures in addition to other features.

As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, the Micro SD Port 970 may prevent removalof the Micro SD Chip 971, which the user may use to store sensitivepersonal data. FIG. 44 shows the micro SD slot in a locked state. FIG.45 shows the micro SD slot in an unlocked state. The Micro SD Port 970may feature a latch pin 973 and toggle switch 974, which prevent themicro SD chip 971 from being removed. The toggle switch 974 may becontrolled by the Switch Control Logic 965, which, for example, wouldallow the Micro SD Chip to be removed when the user provides afingerprint matching a stored fingerprint. It will be appreciated thatother biometric sensors and data could be similarly employed, forexample, iris scans, retinal scans, facial scans, or DNA scans. It willalso be appreciated that the latch pin 974 may be a magnetic door thatcould fully enclose the port opening. The Micro SD Port may also engageautomatically if the Micro SD Chip is not removed after a limited periodof time. The device may also feature Springs 972 to facilitateauthorized removal of the Micro SD Chip or another chip, casing, oradapter.

In an embodiment, Fingerprint Sensor 966 verifies the fingerprint fromFingerprint Scanner 976 by comparing the scanned fingerprint to storedbiometric data. Fingerprint Sensor 966 then provides access to theSecure MyData platform through various user interfaces by operation ofSwitch Control Logic 965. In other embodiments different or additionalbiometric data may be required to access some or all of the componentsof the Secure Platform. Examples of various biometric data include afingerprint, handprint, facial scan, cranial scan, iris scan, retinascan, voice sample, or DNA information. The user may also require that aspecific sequence or combination of biometric data be provided to accesssome or all portions of the Secure Platform. Certain biometric data maybe required based on varying prompts provided by the device during anattempt to access the Secure Platform or other features of the device.

In an embodiment, the user would attempt to access the Secure Platform,and the device would display a code word or phrase. The user may respondto while holding the device at arm's length and sweeping the device in asemicircular motion so that one or more cameras or other sensors on thedevice can capture various angles of the user's facial features. Throughthis sequence, the device could capture one or more fingerprints fromvarious surfaces, the user's arm length, a voice sample, and athree-dimensional rendering of a portion of the user's face. The devicemay also recognize whether the user's spoken response was correct giventhe prompt. The prompt may also indicate which hand the user should holdthe device in when performing the sequence. For example, a left thumbprint may be required to initially access the Secure Platform andcommence the unlock procedures, but various prompts may indicate whetherthe user should hold the device in the user's left or right hand duringthe sequence. The prompt may also indicate that the user should switchhands or maintain the same hand that was used to begin the unlocksequence.

In some embodiments, the Switch Control Logic 965 may allow access tothe Main Platform, the Secure MyData Platform, or various portionsthereof depending on the level of access available to the member or userassociated with the biometric profile. Toggle Switch 946 is a physicalor logical switch that provides connectivity to Display Touch Screen942, either to the Main Platform or to the Secure MyData Platform. Audioor other means of interface like cameras, keyboards, and other sensorsmaybe be similarly connected to either the Main Platform or the SecureMyData Platform. FIG. 52 illustrates the Secure Platform and itscomponents, including external component associated with the SecurePlatform. During operation of the Secure Platform, the user may commandthose associated components. The Main Platform may be separated from anyshared components by a physical gap created by connectors or toggleswitches during operation of the Secure Platform. The gap between theMain Platform and the components ensures that data housed in the SecurePlatform is Fort Knox secure at all times.

In an embodiment, Display 910 is a high resolution display that mayinclude or operate in conjunction with a transparent touch input layerand/or one or more solar film layers. Collectively or separately, theDisplay and audio components may provide a user interface. Other formsor methods of providing interactivity to the user are also understood,for example, keyboards, rollerballs, or touchpads. FIG. 50 shows how thedevice may utilize an inboard projector and one or more cameras, byinfrared, visible, other spectra, or any combination therefore, todisplay and receive user input from a virtual keyboard or similarinterface. It will be appreciated that the users movements and inputsmay also be tracked by Lidar (light radar, light detection and ranging,or laser imaging, detection, and ranging).

In an embodiment, Solar Films 932 and 963 is a thin, practicallyinvisible photovoltaic film imbedded within a flexible polymer/metalsubstrate as part of or in connection with the Display 910 and producingelectricity from incident natural or artificial light. The Solar Filmmay also be configured to produce electricity from other forms ofelectromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, Solar Film may be present onany surface of the device. FIG. 41 illustrates the external componentsincluding Solar Films 932 and 963 incorporated on top of portions ofDisplay 910. It will be appreciated that the main platform and thesecure platform may be operatively connected via switches describeabove, for example, in paragraph 251, to a single or multiple SolarFilms on one or more surfaces of the device.

In an embodiment, the device may be charged using an inboard retractableplug. An example of how an inboard retractable plug might operate isshown by FIGS. 37 and 38 and FIGS. 42 and 43. In FIG. 42, frame 1 in thetop left shows the male plug retracted inside the phone with extensionsprings coiled. Frame 2 shows that when the magnetic sliding door 986opens, the extension springs thrust the AC plug outside of the phone'shousing while the sliding door is held open by a magnetic force 988.Frame 3 shows that the plug may then be extended by pulling it away fromthe phone housing to the desired length. Frame 4 shows the plugconnected to a wall outlet. In FIG. 43, frame 5 show the user removingthe plug from the wall. Frame 6 shows the plug being pulled slightlyoutward from the housing to release the brake on the retraction wheelmechanism 980. Frame 7 shows the plug being pulled back into the devicehousing. Frame 8 shows that once the plug is fully inside the devicehousing, the user can close the sliding door, which will be held closedby magnetic force 987. While many mobile devices currently usecombination power and data connectors, such arrangements could provide avulnerable access point to the Secure MyData Platform. Therefore, havinginboard or designated charging components is a security feature of thecurrent invention. Alternative wireless methods of delivering power, forexample, induction, photoelectric, or thermoelectric components, couldbe used in conjunction with or in place of the retractable chargingfeatures.

In an embodiment, the Biometric Scanner Identifier 975 may be, forexample, a camera for scanning a user's fingerprint, iris, facial, orskeletal features or any combination thereof to confirm the user'sidentity. The Biometric Scanner Identifier 975 may also receive a user'sDNA information. It will be appreciated that any and all combinations ofthe disclosed biometric qualities could be used separately or incombination to identify the user.

In an embodiment, shown for example in FIG. 40, the device may include aSealed Housing 990. The Sealed Housing may act as waterproofing. TheSealed Housing may include magnetic elements. For example, the SealedHousing may include magnetic doors to prevent physical access by wateror unauthorized users to various external ports, including, for example,micro SD cards, USB slots, or charging features. The device as shown inFIG. 40 may include an external charger 991 and Solar Film 932 and 963,but it will be appreciated that any plurality of charging methodsdisclosed in this application could be utilized.

FIGS. 47 and 48 show the transceiver device associated with the RingerBeeper component 918 shown in FIGS. 37, 38, 40, 46, and 51. Thetransceiver device may be optionally attached to, carried or embedded ina personal or sensitive item to prevent the user from losing either thedevice or the other personal or sensitive item or both. For example, theuser may attach the transceiver device to a set of car keys. If the userleaves the car keys somewhere and travels a certain programmabledistance away, for example, thirty feet, then the transceiver deviceand/or the Ringer Beeper component shown in FIG. 37, for example, wouldemit a signal to notify the user that the car keys were not in the userspossession. This signal could be a beeping noise or a signal to othercomponents of the device to trigger an alert to the user. In anembodiment, the transceiver device and/or ringer beeper may emit awireless signal to not only notify the user, but also aide in locatingthe device, whether through GPS or other means known in the art. Asanother example, if the user leaves the cell phone or communicationdevice somewhere and has the transceiver device in a briefcase, then thetransceiver device would signal by beeping and/or flashing, for example,and the frequency of the signaling could indicate proximity to the otherdevice. Alternatively, transceiver may have a screen component thatcould show the direction of the other device. Additionally, othercharacteristics of the signal could change to indicate the distanceand/or direction of the other device, for example, the pitch of an audiosignal could change. The potential combination of signaling from bothdevices is an optional but noteworthy security feature of the device.While a user may lose her communication device, briefcase, keys, purse,glasses, or wallet separately, the user is unlikely to loss multiple orall personal or sensitive items at the same time. Therefore, byutilizing the Ringer Beeper feature of the invention and transceiverdevice in combination, the user protects her personal data and otherpossessions to a greater degree.

Referring again to FIG. 37, for example, it will be noted that twoFingerprint Scanners 976 and 977 are shown and respectively andseparately associated with the Secure MyData Platform and the MainPlatform. In an embodiment of the invention, any and all surfacesincluding Display 910 may act as fingerprint scanners. In this way, theuser may optionally designate different fingerprints with differentaccess. Alternatively, the user may designate different locations on thedevice for fingerprints to verify identity and gain access. For example,a single right pointer finger placed at the bottom middle of the Display910 could unlock the Main Platform. Alternatively, the combination ofthe thumb, pointer, and middle finger fingerprints in differentpositions could unlock the Secure MyData Platform. Security is furtherenhanced by this feature because the user must not only providebiometric data but also provide the correct biometric data in thecorrect combination, orientation, and/or sequence. It will beappreciated that any and all varieties of biometric data and sensorsdisclosed could be used separately or in combination to provide accessto the various features of the device. For example, removing the datastorage component, shown, for example, as a Micro SD card in FIG. 37,from the Secure MyData Platform could be seen as a most sensitiveoperation in that the data storage component would no longer beprotected by the Secure MyData Platform. Therefore, the user may requirea plurality of combinations or sequences of different biometric readingsto release the data storage component from the Secure MyData Platform.

The device allows various levels of access to personal information basedon the needs of the user. This can allow to user, for example, to storeand disclose personal information that might be relevant to air travelwithout also disclosing personal information that might be needed inother situations, for example, financial or medical records.

As explained above, embodiments of the system of the invention andvarious processes of embodiments are described herein. The system of theinvention or portions of the system of the invention may be in the formof a “processing machine,” i.e. a tangibly embodied machine, such as ageneral purpose computer or a special purpose computer, for example. Asused herein, the term “processing machine” is to be understood toinclude at least one processor that uses at least one memory. The atleast one memory stores a set of instructions. The instructions may beeither permanently or temporarily stored in the memory or memories ofthe processing machine. The processor executes the instructions that arestored in the memory or memories in order to process data. The set ofinstructions may include various instructions that perform a particulartask or tasks, such as any of the processing described herein. Such aset of instructions for performing a particular task may becharacterized as a program, software program, or simply software.

The processing machine, which may be constituted, for example, by theparticular system and/or systems described above, executes theinstructions that are stored in the memory or memories to process data.This processing of data may be in response to commands by a user orusers of the processing machine, in response to previous processing, inresponse to a request by another processing machine and/or any otherinput, for example.

As noted above, the processing machine used to implement the inventionmay be a general purpose computer. However, the processing machinedescribed above may also utilize (or be in the form of) any of a widevariety of other technologies including a special purpose computer, acomputer system including a micro-computer, mini-computer or mainframefor example, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a CPU(Central Processing Unit) a peripheral integrated circuit element, aCSIC (Consumer Specific Integrated Circuit) or ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) or other integrated circuit, a logiccircuit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device such asa such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), PLD (ProgrammableLogic Device), PLA (Programmable Logic Array), RFID processor, smartchip, or any other device or arrangement of devices that is capable ofimplementing the steps of the processes of the invention.

The processing machine used to implement the invention may utilize asuitable operating system. Thus, embodiments of the invention mayinclude a processing machine running the Microsoft Windows™ Vista™operating system, the Microsoft Windows™ XP™ operating system, theMicrosoft Windows™ NT™ operating system, the Windows™ 2000 operatingsystem, the Unix operating system, the Linux operating system, the Xenixoperating system, the IBM AIX™ operating system, the Hewlett-Packard UX™operating system, the Novell Netware™ operating system, the SunMicrosystems Solaris™ operating system, the OS/2™ operating system, theBeOS™ operating system, the Macintosh operating system, the Apacheoperating system, an OpenStep™ operating system or another operatingsystem or platform. Platform also refers to the cloud platform orsilicon platform, including the MyData OS and all of its hardwaresystems, with the exception of the display, and its connectors, andswitches, the biometric identifiers and gateways and audio/textcommunicators.

It is appreciated that in order to practice the method of the inventionas described above, it is not necessary that the processors and/or thememories of the processing machine be physically located in the samegeographical place. That is, each of the processors and the memoriesused by the processing machine may be located in geographically distinctlocations and connected so as to communicate in any suitable manner.Additionally, it is appreciated that each of the processor and/or thememory may be composed of different physical pieces of equipment.Accordingly, it is not necessary that the processor be one single pieceof equipment in one location and that the memory be another single pieceof equipment in another location. That is, it is contemplated that theprocessor may be two pieces of equipment in two different physicallocations. The two distinct pieces of equipment may be connected in anysuitable manner. Additionally, the memory may include two or moreportions of memory or divisible, segmented, or plug-n-play memory in twoor more physical locations.

To explain further, processing as described above is performed byvarious components and various memories. However, it is appreciated thatthe processing performed by two distinct components as described abovemay, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, beperformed by a single component. Further, the processing performed byone distinct component as described above may be performed by twodistinct components. In a similar manner, the memory storage performedby two distinct memory portions as described above may, in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention, be performed by a singlememory portion. Further, the memory storage performed by one distinctmemory portion as described above may be performed by two or more memoryportions.

Further, various technologies may be used to provide communicationbetween the various processors and/or memories, as well as to allow theprocessors and/or the memories of the invention to communicate with anyother entity; i.e., so as to obtain further instructions or to accessand use remote memory stores, for example. Such technologies used toprovide such communication might include a network, the Internet,Intranet, Extranet, LAN, an Ethernet, or any client server system thatprovides communication, for example. Such communications technologiesmay use any suitable protocol such as TCP/IP, UDP, or OSI, for example.

Various networks may be implemented in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention, including a wired or wireless local area network (LAN)and a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, wireless personal areanetwork (PAN) and other types of networks. When used in a LAN networkingenvironment, computers may be connected to the LAN through a networkinterface or adapter. When used in a WAN networking environment,computers typically include a modem or other communication mechanism.Modems may be internal or external, and may be connected to the systembus via the user-input interface, or other appropriate mechanism.

Computers may be connected over the Internet, an Intranet, Extranet,Ethernet, or any other system that provides communications. Somesuitable communications protocols may include TCP/IP, UDP, or OSI, forexample. For wireless communications, communications protocols mayinclude Bluetooth, Zigbee, IrDa, Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, Ultra-Wideband and LongTerm Evolution (LTE) or other suitable protocols. The wirelesscommunications protocol may also include short-range communicationsdevices and protocols, such as RFID, or Near-Field Communication radiotransmissions. Furthermore, components of the system may communicatethrough a combination of wired or wireless paths.

Although many other internal components of the computer are not shown,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such componentsand the interconnections are well known. Accordingly, additional detailsconcerning the internal construction of the computer need not bedisclosed in connection with the present invention.

As described above, a set of instructions is used in the processing ofthe invention. The set of instructions may be in the form of a programor software. The software may be in the form of system software orapplication software, for example. The software might also be in theform of a collection of separate programs, a program module within alarger program, or a portion of a program module, for example. Thesoftware used might also include modular programming in the form ofobject oriented programming. The software tells the processing machinewhat to do with the data being processed.

Further, it is appreciated that the instructions or set of instructionsused in the implementation and operation of the invention may be in asuitable format such that the processing machine may read theinstructions. For example, the instructions that form a program may bein the form of a suitable programming language, which is converted tomachine language or object code to allow the processor or processors toread the instructions. That is, written lines of programming code orsource code, in a particular programming language, are converted tomachine language using a compiler, assembler or interpreter. The machinelanguage is binary coded machine instructions that are specific to aparticular type of processing machine, i.e., to a particular type ofcomputer, for example. The computer understands the machine language.

Any suitable programming language may be used in accordance with thevarious embodiments of the invention. Illustratively, the programminglanguage used may include assembly language, Ada, APL, Basic, C, C++,COBOL, dBase, Forth, Fortran, Java, Modula-2, Pascal, Prolog, REXX,Visual Basic, and/or JavaScript, for example. Further, it is notnecessary that a single type of instructions or single programminglanguage be utilized in conjunction with the operation of the system andmethod of the invention. Rather, any number of different programminglanguages may be utilized as is necessary or desirable.

Also, the instructions and/or data used in the practice of the inventionmay utilize any compression or encryption technique or algorithm, as maybe desired. An encryption module might be used to encrypt data. Further,files or other data may be decrypted using a suitable decryption module,for example. The module design allows for easy exchange of an encryptedmodule that on other platforms may have been breached.

As described above, the invention may illustratively be embodied in theform of a processing machine, including a computer or computer system,for example, that includes at least one memory. It is to be appreciatedthat the set of instructions, i.e., the software for example, thatenables the computer operating system to perform the operationsdescribed above may be contained on any of a wide variety of media ormedium, as desired. Further, the data that is processed by the set ofinstructions might also be contained on any of a wide variety of mediaor medium. That is, the particular medium, i.e., the memory in theprocessing machine, utilized to hold the set of instructions and/or thedata used in the invention may take on any of a variety of physicalforms or transmissions, for example. Illustratively, the medium may bein the form of paper, paper transparencies, a compact disk, a DVD, anintegrated circuit, a hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, amagnetic tape, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM, a EPROM, a wire, a cable, a fiber,communications channel, a satellite transmissions or other remotetransmission, as well as any other medium or source of data that may beread by the processors of the invention.

Further, the memory or memories used in the processing machine thatimplements the invention may be in any of a wide variety of forms toallow the memory to hold instructions, data, or other information, as isdesired. Thus, the memory might be in the form of a database to holddata. The database may use any desired arrangement of files such as aflat file arrangement or a relational database arrangement.

The memory will include at least one set of instructions that is eitherpermanently or temporarily stored. The processor executes theinstructions that are stored in order to process data. The set ofinstructions may include various instructions that perform a particulartask or tasks. Such a set of instructions for performing a particulartask may be characterized as a program, software program, software,engine, module, component, mechanism, or tool. The computer may includea plurality of software processing modules stored in a memory asdescribed above and executed on a processor in the manner describedherein. The program modules may be in the form of any suitableprogramming language, which is converted to machine language or objectcode to allow the processor or processors to read the instructions.

The computing environment may also include other removable/nonremovable,volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. For example, a hard diskdrive may read or write to nonremovable, nonvolatile magnetic media. Amagnetic disk drive may read from or write to a removable, nonvolatilemagnetic disk, and an optical disk drive may read from or write to aremovable, nonvolatile optical disk such as a CD ROM or other opticalmedia. Other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computerstorage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environmentinclude, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memorycards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM,solid state ROM, and the like. The storage media is typically connectedto the system bus through a removable or nonremovable memory interface.

To explain further, processing as described above is performed byvarious components and various memories. However, it is appreciated thatthe processing performed by two distinct components as described abovemay, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, beperformed by a single component. Further, the processing performed byone distinct component as described above may be performed by twodistinct components. In a similar manner, the memory storage performedby two distinct memory portions as described above may, in accordancewith a further embodiment of the invention, be performed by a singlememory portion. Further, the memory storage performed by one distinctmemory portion as described above may be performed by two memoryportions.

In the system and method of the invention, a variety of “userinterfaces” may be utilized to allow a user to interface with theprocessing machine or machines that are used to implement the invention.A user may enter commands and information into the computer through auser interface. The user interface may include any hardware, software,or combination of hardware and software used by the processing machinethat allows a user to interact with the processing machine. A userinterface may be in the form of a dialogue screen for example. A userinterface may also include any of a mouse, touch screen, keyboard, voicereader, voice recognizer, dialogue screen, menu box, list, checkbox,toggle switch, a pushbutton or other device that allows a user toreceive information regarding the operation of the processing machine asit processes a set of instructions and/or provide the processing machinewith information. Accordingly, the user interface is any device thatprovides communication between a user and a processing machine. Theinformation provided by the user to the processing machine through theuser interface may be in the form of a command, a selection of data, orsome other input.

As discussed above, a user interface is utilized by the processingmachine that performs a set of instructions such that the processingmachine processes data for a user. The user interface is typically usedby the processing machine for interacting with a user either to conveyinformation or receive information from the user. However, it should beappreciated that in accordance with some embodiments of the invention,it is not necessary that a human user actually interact with a userinterface used by the processing machine of the invention. Rather, it isalso contemplated that the user interface of the invention mightinteract, i.e., convey and receive information, with another processingmachine, rather than a human user. Further, it is contemplated that auser interface utilized in the invention may interact partially withanother processing machine or processing machines, while alsointeracting partially with a human user.

One or more monitors or display devices may also be connected to thesystem bus via an interface. In addition to display devices, computersmay also include other peripheral output devices, which may be connectedthrough an output peripheral interface. The computers implementing theinvention may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, the remote computerstypically including many or all of the elements described above.

As discussed above, a user interface is utilized by the processingmachine that performs a set of instructions such that the processingmachine processes data for a user. The user interface is typically usedby the processing machine for interacting with a user either to conveyinformation or receive information from the user. However, it should beappreciated that in accordance with some embodiments of the system andmethod of the invention, it is not necessary that a human user actuallyinteract with a user interface used by the processing machine of theinvention. Rather, it is also contemplated that the user interface ofthe invention might interact, i.e., convey and receive information, withanother processing machine, rather than a human user. Accordingly, theother processing machine might be characterized as a user. Further, itis contemplated that a user interface utilized in the system and methodof the invention may interact partially with another processing machineor processing machines, while also interacting partially with a humanuser.

Further, the embodiments of the invention described herein may beapplied to a mobile or portable device. Mobile devices or portabledevices can take various forms. In one approach, the mobile device maybe a personal device that the customer owns, such as a personalsmartphone or tablet, and brings into the physical store. As describedin more detail below, mobile devices may include mobile personalcomputers, such as laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets (e.g., iPad,Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.7, Google Nexus 10, mini-iPad, Samsung Galaxy 7.7,Google Nexus 7, Amazon Kindle and Kindle Fire etc.), PDAs (personaldigital assistants), smart phones (e.g., the iPhone, Samsung S3, SamsungS4, Samsung Note 2, etc.), and other forms of portable computer devices.Mobile devices that can support wireless communications such as NFC orRFID can communicate using those capabilities

The mobile device may be programmed with a software application thatenables the mobile device to communicate to the vendor. In anembodiment, the software application may be a mobile app developed bythe vendor, and distributed to customers through an app store such asApple iTunes, or Google Play. In other embodiments of the invention, thesoftware application may be a third-party application, such as a mobilebrowser, connected to a web app hosted by the vendor. For example, thesoftware application may be a mobile browser such as the Safari MobileBrowser, connected to a website. In other embodiments, the softwareapplication may also be specialized native software designed for use onmobile devices. In these embodiments, the software applications may beinstalled and maintained privately, without being distributed through apublic third party app distributor, such as Apple iTunes, or GooglePlay.

Generally, it should be noted that the components depicted and describedherein above may be, or include, a computer or multiple computers.Although the components are shown as discrete units, all components maybe interconnected or combined. The components may be described in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions, such as programmodules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modulesinclude routines, programs, objects, applications, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may bepracticed with various computer system configurations, includinghand-held wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablets or PDAs,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art thatthe present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application.Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other thanthose herein described, as well as many variations, modifications andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and foregoing description thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described here indetail in relation to its exemplary embodiments, it is to be understoodthat this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the presentinvention and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of theinvention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to beconstrued or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude anyother such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications andequivalent arrangements.

1) A communication device with secure data storage, comprising: a secureplatform having a processor, a data storage unit, and no networkconnection; a main mobile platform having a processor, a data storageunit, and at least one wireless network connection; a user interface; apower storage unit; a plurality of biometric sensors that receivebiometric information to verify a user's identity; a switch control thatprovides selective connectivity between either the user interface andthe secure platform or the user interface and the main platform, but notboth simultaneously, wherein the switch control provides connectivitybetween the secure platform and the user interface only once theplurality of biometric sensors receive the biometric information toverify the user's identity. 2) The device of claim 1 further comprising:at least two biometric sensors, wherein each biometric sensors receivesdistinct biometric information. 3) The device of claim 1 whereinbiometric information is a fingerprint, handprint, facial scan, cranialscan, iris scan, retina scan, voice sample, or DNA information. 4) Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising: a detachable ringing componentthat communicates with the main platform wirelessly, wherein the ringingcomponent and the main mobile platform each emit a signal when separatedby greater than a preset limited distance. 5) The device of claim 1further comprising: a sealed housing, wherein the sealed housingprevents water from entering the device. 6) The device of claim 1further comprising: a retractable cord for charging the device. 7) Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising: a photovoltaic film that produceselectricity from incident electromagnetic radiation. 8) The device ofclaim 1 further comprising: an induction unit that produces electricityfrom an alternating electromagnetic field. 9) The device of claim 1further comprising: a data storage unit slot with connectivity to thesecure platform for a removable data storage unit; and a disc lock thatsecures the removable data storage unit in the data storage slot,wherein the disc lock is operated by the switch control. 10) The deviceof claim 1 further comprising: a Faraday cage, wherein the Faraday cagesurrounds the secure platform and at least partially obstructselectromagnetic radiation. 11) A method of securely storing data on amobile device, comprising: providing a secure platform having aprocessor, a data storage unit, and no network connection; providing amain platform having a processor, a data storage unit, and at least onewireless network connection; providing a user interface that isoperatively connected to a switch control; providing a power storageunit; verifying a user's identity by at least one piece of biometricinformation by using a biometric sensor; providing connectivityselectively via the switch control between either the user interface andthe secure platform or the user interface and the main platform, but notboth simultaneously, wherein connectivity is provided to the secureplatform only after verification of a user's identity by at least onepiece of biometric information. 12) The method of claim 11 furthercomprising: verifying the user's identity by a second piece of biometricinformation that is distinct from the first piece of biometricinformation.